Dave and Judy Dutra
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project
This project documents the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project began in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, educational celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals from other ports around the country. Folklorist and Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar and Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are project leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.
Laura Orleans
On September 25, 2011, Markham Starr interviewed Dave and Judy Dutra as part of the Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project. Dave discusses his experiences in the fishing industry, noting the ways the community and opportunity has changed over the years. He speaks of his family’s history with fishing and his earliest memories in growing up by the water in Provincetown, where he’s fished since the age of 10. Dave describes the boats he’s run, including the Wildflower and the Richard & Arnold, and reflects on the increased regulations and the impact it has had on his livelihood. Dave and Judy both reflect on the freedom they had in the early days of fishing and how it has changed over time. Judy discusses her motivation for writing the book, Nautical Twilight, which is a memoir of their fishing experiences. She shares her anger and frustration at the changes in the industry but also highlights the wonderful times they had and the strong sense of community among fishermen.
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