Dale & Paula Dearing
Graying of the Fleet
These oral histories examine the graying phenomenon and implications for the resilience of the commercial fishing industry in two coastal communities in Oregon.
National Capital Contracting
Dale and Paula Dearing, originally from Tucson, Arizona, moved to Port Orford, Oregon, shortly after their marriage. Dale was introduced to commercial fishing through a friend of his church pastor, a fisherman in Port Orford. Dale fished commercially for one year with his contact before operating independently for 15 years. Paula supported the transition and participated in fishing activities with Dale.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Dale and Paula Dearing, conducted by Deanna Caracciolo, explores the couple's move from Tucson, Arizona, to Port Orford, Oregon, detailing their initial involvement in the commercial fishing industry. Dale recounts the circumstances that led them to relocate, their early financial struggles, and their introduction to crab fishing. Paula shares her perspective on transitioning from desert life to the coastal environment, describing it as an exciting yet challenging adventure. The narrative includes accounts of the couple's early days in Oregon, marked by community support and the adaptation to a new way of life. Dale elaborates on the dynamics of the commercial fishing industry, emphasizing the unpredictability of income and the importance of saving during prosperous periods to withstand lean times.
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