Dustin Delano, 28 years old at the time of the interview, is owner-operator of the F/V Knotty Lady, a lobster boat out of Friendship, Maine. Dustin started fishing at age 11, the fourth generation in his family to follow this line of work. After taking a meandering path through higher education, he wound up back in his hometown doing what he loves: lobstering. He is one of several captains to capitalize on ecological changes by developing a menhaden seine fishery in Midcoast Maine.

Scope and Content Note

In his interview, Dustin talks about his role as a member of the Maine Lobstermen's Association, the value of Maine's student lobster license program in preventing a graying industry, and the role of lobstering in community identity. Dustin also shares concerns about offshore wind development and right whale protection measures, which may threaten his livelihood and the sustainability of the fishery. He emphasizes the importance of protecting the fishery and encourages young people to consider fishing as a viable career path despite societal pressure to pursue higher education. He discusses the financial aspects of lobstering, mentioning the rising costs of bait, fuel, and equipment. He notes the importance of work ethic, being aware of the industry's developments, and staying involved through organizations like the Maine Lobstermen's Association can help navigate the uncertainties of the fishing profession. Dustin also talks about how his faith in Christianity has played a role in his fishing career.

“When I was in high school," Dustin says. "there was this cliché that if you didn’t go to college, basically, you’re not going to amount to anything. I don’t agree with that philosophy. I don’t think everybody’s made to go to college. I don’t think they need to. Not everybody’s going to need a master’s degree in engineering. I feel like we’ve gotten ahead of ourselves too much… I think fishing’s what makes us who we are. What we have, lobstering, growing up here, working on boats, working those fifteen-hour days, going in the nasty weather, seeing what it was like ten years ago when things weren’t quite as profitable—that’s all made us who we are now. It’s through those experiences that we can build on and use them as we try to navigate through to the future.”