Cory Weyant
Long Island Traditions
Folklorist Nancy Solomon has documented the maritime culture of Long Island through these interviews spanning the years 1987 – 2016. The collection includes baymen, fishermen, boat builders and other maritime tradition bearers.
National Capital Contracting
On December 8, 2003, Nancy Solomon interviewed Cory Weyant, a bayman and dragger fisherman from Freeport, New York. Cory discusses the significant changes he has witnessed in his fishing career over the past fifteen years, reflecting on the decline of fish populations and the impact of overfishing. He describes the transition from small trawlers and local fish markets to the current state where strict regulations and reduced fish populations have drastically altered the fishing industry. Cory adapted to these changes by shifting his focus from commercial fishing to providing bait for the increasing number of sport fishermen. He recounts his early experiences and the variety of fish he encountered, such as flounder, fluke, whiting, ling, and cod, which highlights the abundance and diversity of fish during his youth. He addresses the impact of regulations, pollution, and habitat changes on the fishing industry, stressing the importance of sustainable practices and the need for enforcement of existing laws to protect the environment and future fish populations.
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