David Anthony Karwacki
Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia
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.
David "Tony" Karwacki is a seasoned commercial fisherman from Darien, Georgia. Born into a family of fishermen, Tony has been involved in the fishing industry since he was a child. His father, a first-generation fisherman, introduced him to the trade at a young age. Tony recalls standing on a five-gallon bucket to look over the console and drive the boat when he was just five years old. By the age of fourteen, he was already captaining his own boat and pulling his own set of crab traps. Despite the challenges and hardships of the industry, Tony has remained committed to his craft for over two decades. Tony's fishing expertise is not limited to crabbing. He has also worked on shrimp boats with other captains during school breaks and summers. He recounts his experience working on Hal Boone's boat at the age of 12, where he was tasked with driving the 60-foot shrimp boat at night. Tony's dedication to the fishing industry is evident in his views on the community of Darien. He believes that the fishing community is the backbone of Darien, with many jobs in the area being based around the commercial fishing industry. Despite the challenges posed by government regulations and crab theft, Tony remains committed to his craft and the community.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Tony Karwacki, conducted by Erin Scooler on March 23, 2018, provides an in-depth look into the life and experiences of a commercial fisherman in Darien, Georgia. Tony discusses his early introduction to the fishing industry, his experiences working on shrimp boats, and his views on the fishing community in Darien. The interview also delves into the challenges faced by commercial fishermen, including government regulations and crab theft. Tony expresses his desire for less government regulation and stricter penalties for crab theft. He shares his experiences with crab theft and the court cases that followed, highlighting the impact of these issues on his livelihood. Tony also discusses the unwritten codes among crabbers regarding fishing territories and the conflicts that arise when these codes are violated. He shares his views on the younger generation's attitude towards the industry and the challenges of teaching them the trade. The interview provides a unique perspective on the commercial fishing industry in Darien and the challenges and rewards of a life dedicated to fishing.
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