Deb and Ron Shrader

Ron Shrader Image
Location of Interview
Collection Name

The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project

Description

The Working Waterfront Festival Community  Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education 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/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.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
09-26-2004
Transcribers

Janice Fleuriel
Erin Heacock

Biographical Sketch

Deb Shrader is a passionate advocate for fishermen and their families, dedicated to ensuring their rights and the sustainability of ocean resources. Despite having no family background in fishing, she married Ron Shrader, a fisherman and captain, which ignited her interest in the fishing industry and its challenges. She became a driving force behind Shore Support, an advocacy group she founded to bridge the gap between fishermen and regulatory processes. With a paralegal background, Deb navigates the intricacies of fisheries regulations, focusing on the Magnuson Act and the Sustainable Fisheries Act. She works to bring fishermen's perspectives to the forefront and champion their cause at both local and federal levels.

Ron Shrader is a seasoned fisherman and captain, hailing from North Carolina and finding his way to the fishing hub of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Raised by a fishing grandfather, he grew up immersed in the industry's culture. Ron has worked with various types of fishing vessels, eventually establishing himself as a captain at Eastern Fisheries. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and skills, having mastered roles from engine room work to navigating the wheelhouse. Throughout his career, Ron has witnessed the ebb and flow of ocean resources and regulations, adapting to the changing landscape of the fishing industry. He's dedicated to sustainable fishing practices and has weathered challenges brought about by evolving regulations.

Scope and Content Note
Deb and Ron Shrader discuss a range of topics including evolving fishing regulations, collaboration between fishermen and scientists, economic and social impacts on local communities, and superstitions within fishing culture. Deb's Shore Support advocacy group is highlighted for its efforts to bridge the gap between fishermen and regulatory bodies, with specific focus on the Magnuson Act and Sustainable Fisheries Act. The couple expresses concerns about the impact of regulations on local fishing communities, the potential outsourcing of fishing to other countries, and the need for a unified voice to advocate for the industry's future. Deb and Ron emphasize the importance of accurate data collection and critique the selective attention given to certain environmental issues over others. They discuss challenges such as limited crew sizes, repetitive motion injuries, and changing demographics within the fishing industry.  The interview also delves into the economic and social significance of fishing on local communities, showcasing the industry's role in job creation and revenue generation. Deb's efforts to raise awareness about the industry among diverse groups, including bankers and lawyers, are highlighted. Superstitions within the fishing community are explored, with Ron sharing his perspective on their cultural significance and his approach to them. 


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