Douglas B.

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Description

The Finding Friendship Oral History Project is a joint effort of the Friendship Museum and the Friendship Village School, directed by Sally Merrick, museum volunteer, and Gaylea Hynd, teacher. In 2003-2004 sixth grade students conducted taped interviews of three generations of lobstermen and women, as well as others associated with the lobstering industry. Printed copies of the interviews and CDs of the printed transcripts are available at the Friendship Museum in Friendship, Maine.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
09-18-2003
Transcribers

Sally Merrick

Principal Investigator
Transcript
Abstract

Douglas is an experienced lobster fisherman from Friendship Village School. Born and raised in a coastal community, Douglas has spent his summers dedicated to the lobstering. With his extensive knowledge of fishing techniques and the local waters, Douglas has become a skilled lobsterman.

Scope and Content Note
In this interview conducted by Dillon, Douglas shares insights into his life as a lobster fisherman. He discusses various aspects of his fishing routine, including the months he fishes, the locations he frequents, and the duration of his fishing trips. Douglas provides details on how he sets traps, the length of line he uses, and the color of his pot buoy. The interview delves into the equipment and bait Douglas employs in his fishing endeavors. He talks about the number of traps he sets, the type of bait he uses (herring), and where he procures it. Douglas also mentions other marine life he encounters while fishing, such as porpoises, mackerel, and seals. Further, he shares information about his attire during lobstering, including oil pants, a jacket, knee boots, and gloves. Douglas explains the different components of a lobster trap, such as the heads, door, bungee cord, and escape routes for undersized lobsters. He also mentions the use of toggles to prevent snags in rocky areas. Safety is a crucial aspect of Douglas's fishing routine. He mentions the safety equipment he carries on his boat, including life jackets, flare guns, and safety suits. Although he hasn't fallen overboard or experienced seasickness, Douglas recalls an incident when he was bitten by a lobster. When asked about his favorite and least favorite aspects of lobstering, Douglas expresses his enjoyment in catching a significant number of lobsters. However, he admits that the smell of bait is something he dislikes. As for consuming lobster, Douglas reveals his preference for eating it once every two months during the summer, but rarely in the winter.


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.