Graying of the Fleet

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Suzanne Russell
  • These oral histories examine the graying phenomenon and implications for the resilience of the commercial fishing industry in two coastal communities in Oregon.

Interviewee Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Bill Hall Graying of the Fleet

“Fishing is huge. I think it is a huge driver not only of our economy, but of the culture.  I think also it is under appreciated.”

Bill Hall lives in Newport, Oregon, and is the Lincoln County Commissioner in his fourth term. He was born in Portland, and lived there until he was 26. He did some graduate work in Portland, and then moved to Newport to become a reporter for The News Times, and the news director, covering the local government, for a group of radio stations.

Courtney Leigh Flathers Newport, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast
Chris Aiello Graying of the Fleet

Chris Aiello, a fisherman, was born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Hoboken and Montclair. He holds a bachelor's degree in science from New York University. Aiello's career began with menial jobs in New York City, but he was drawn to outdoor activities. He moved to the West Coast in 1977, initially to grow pot, before transitioning to fishing. Aiello's work ethic and education have equipped him with the skills to understand management schemes and business practices in the fishing industry.

Deanna Caracciolo Port Orford, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast
Dale & Paula Dearing Graying of the Fleet

Interview with Dale and Paula Dearing.

Deanna Caracciolo Port Orford, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast
Dave Bassett Graying of the Fleet

Dave Bassett is the President of the Rotary Club of Port Orford, and a registered engineer. He was also the State President for the Professional Engineers of Oregon for two years, representing 7,000 registered engineers.

Courtney Leigh Flathers Port Orford, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast
Dave McCutcheon Graying of the Fleet

Interview with Dave McCutcheon.

Deanna Caracciolo Port Orford, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast
Dean Fleck Graying of the Fleet

Interview with Dean Fleck.

Deanna Caracciolo Newport, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast
Dylan Eder Graying of the Fleet

“One of the same things that makes fishing a great adventure – the wildness and unpredictability of the ocean – can also be a huge source of discomfort.”

Deanna Caracciolo Newport, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast
Gary Anderson Graying of the Fleet

“I did have the opportunity of spending those hours with [my kids] on the boat, which to me is one of the best things that ever came out of it.”

Courtney Leigh Flathers Port Orford, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast
Gary Ripka Graying of the Fleet

Interview with Gary Ripka.

Deanna Caracciolo Port Orford, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast
Gene Law Graying of the Fleet

Gene law is a fisherman in Newport, Oregon. He grew up in Half Moon Bay, California, and moved to Newport in 1980. He started fishing in high school with a friend, and bought his first boat, a 30 footer, after he graduated high school. He mainly fishes for Dungeness crab, but has also fished for tuna, salmon, shrimp, box crabs, sardines, and herring. His wife is very involved in his job as well, and they have four children. His son Matthew has his PhD in Chemical Engineering, and his younger son runs their 83-foot boat.

Deanna Caracciolo Newport, OR Oregon State University Marine Resource Management Program, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Voices from the West Coast