Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Jennifer Sweeney Tookes, Bryan Fluech

  • The goal of the “Fishing Traditions and Fishing Futures” project is to raise awareness of the experiences of commercial fishermen and their changing livelihoods in Georgia by documenting their local fisheries knowledge   and perspectives about the state and fate of Georgia’s commercial fishing industry through the use of oral  histories. Capturing the life stories and experiences of Georgia’s commercial fishermen is especially important since many local communities have depended on the coastal environment for their economic and cultural base  for generations.

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Interviewee Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Tommy Brown Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Tommy Brown. 

 Savannah Bell, Amber Gosser Valona, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Thornell King Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

The interview begins with a brief history of Thornell King's childhood and his father’s involvement in selling fish back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He then goes on to talk about his brief interest in shrimping and how that eventually led him into the world of jellyballing. He describes his time under his mentor, George Tye, and how Tye eventually gifted him his three boats and his jellyballing company.

 Angelique Jennings, Scott Clark Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert Todd Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Robert Todd is a descendant of a long line of shrimp fishermen, with roots deeply entrenched in the trade that spans over four generations. Born and raised in the coastal enclave of Valona, McIntosh County, Todd's life has been inextricably linked to the sea and the shrimping industry from a tender age. His early exposure to the family business under the tutelage of his father and grandfather instilled in him a profound appreciation for the craft of shrimping.

 Ahmauri Williams-Alford, Nompumelelo Hlophe , Alexis McGhee Valona, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert Long Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Mr. Robert Long is a seasoned commercial fisherman whose life has been deeply intertwined with the coastal waters of Georgia. Born into a family with a rich legacy in the fishing community, Mr. Long was introduced to the rhythms of the sea at a young age. His formative years were spent absorbing the traditions and skills necessary to navigate and harvest the bountiful yet unpredictable waters. At the age of 22, he took a significant step in his career by purchasing his first fishing boat, a testament to his dedication and the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the industry.

 Savannah Bell, Amber Gosser Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert Lee Everson, Sr. Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Robert Lee Everson, Sr.

 Kendra Cooper, Alexis McGhee Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert David Waters Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Robert David Waters.

 Ahmauri Williams-Alford, Nompumelelo Hlophe Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Renee Audrey Jones Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Renee Audrey Jones.

 Victoria Barrett, Julia Thomas Valona, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Morris Butler Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Morris Butler.

 Ahmauri Williams-Alford, Nompumelelo Hlophe Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Michael Edwards Vernon Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Michael Edward Vernon.

 Victoria Barrett, Julia Thomas Valona, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Marie & Thurmond Kern Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Thurmond and Marie Kern are a couple deeply rooted in the commercial fishing industry, with a particular focus on shrimping. Thurmond hails from a family with a longstanding tradition in the industry, indicating a generational involvement that has shaped his life and career. His experiences are marked by a profound understanding of the challenges and transformations within the commercial fishing sector. Marie, alongside Thurmond, has been an integral part of the fishing community, contributing her perspective and witnessing the evolution of the industry over the years.

 Angelique Jennings, Scott Clark Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
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