Donny Millis
Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town
For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.
National Capital Contracting
Matthew Barr interviewed Donny Millis for the Wild Caught Oral History Project in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Donny Millis, a lifelong fisherman, comes from a family deeply embedded in the fishing industry, with a legacy stretching back generations. In the interview, Millis discusses the family history and the memorial monument dedicated to his parents, both prominent figures in the local fishing community. His mother, known as the "Shrimp Lady," was renowned for selling shrimp at Surf City and had built a wide-reaching reputation. His father, a lifelong fisherman, had been an integral part of the community, contributing significantly to the family's livelihood from a young age. Millis elaborates on the challenges facing the fishing industry, particularly the impact of increasing regulations and environmental policies. He describes the implementation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and fish excluders, which have drastically reduced the catch, affecting the profitability of shrimping. Millis reflects on the broader implications of these regulations, emphasizing that they seem to be pushing commercial fishermen out of business rather than protecting the environment effectively. The conversation shifts to the changes in Sneads Ferry over the years. Millis notes the influx of new residents, particularly from the nearby Marine Corps base, and their influence on local culture and property. He expresses concern about the ongoing development and the pressures it places on traditional fishing practices and community cohesion. Millis also touches on the economic struggles of commercial fishermen, highlighting the competition from imported seafood and the financial burden of complying with stringent regulations. He predicts a bleak future for the industry, fearing that commercial fishing may become an endangered occupation due to these cumulative pressures. Throughout the interview, Millis shares personal anecdotes, including his father's final fishing trip and his mother's battle with ovarian cancer. He also reflects on the broader cultural and economic shifts in Sneads Ferry, emphasizing the importance of preserving the community's fishing heritage amidst growing external pressures.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.