Ed Brown

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town

Description

For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., 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.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Transcript
Video
Biographical Sketch

Ed Brown was born and raised in a rural setting on his family farm.  At the time of the interivew, he served as the Sheriff of Sneads Ferry.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Sheriff Ed Brown provides a comprehensive overview of life in Sneads Ferry, with a particular focus on the interplay between law enforcement, community, and the natural environment. Brown discusses the responsibilities of the Sheriff's Department, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the challenges of maintaining safety in a region where the fishing industry plays a central role. He reflects on the parallels between his farming background and the lives of local fishermen, noting the hard work and dangers inherent in both professions. The interview delves into the strong sense of community in Sneads Ferry, highlighting the role of Southern hospitality, spirituality, and shared experiences in forging common bonds among residents. Brown shares personal anecdotes, including a humorous attempt at eating a raw clam. The conversation also touches on historical practices of consuming seafood from now-polluted waters, reminiscing about the taste and communal memories associated with these experiences. Through Brown's narrative, the interview paints a vivid picture of Sneads Ferry's cultural landscape, marked by a deep connection to nature, a robust sense of community, and the enduring spirit of its people.


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.