Ed Little

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Description

"Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents" is a  collection by Karen DeMaria of Summerland Key, FL completed in April 1996. Funded by the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, the project sought to describe through oral history interviews, environmental changes in the Florida Keys marine ecosystem. 

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Ed Little is a seasoned fisherman with extensive knowledge and experience in the marine ecosystem and fisheries. His insights are drawn from his personal observations and experiences in the field, particularly in the Key West area. Little has witnessed firsthand the changes in the marine ecosystem and the impact of increased human activity on water and fish populations. His expertise extends to the understanding of the behavior of various fish species, their abundance, size, and the presence of parasites and abnormalities in certain species. Little's observations also cover changes in habitat and fishing conditions over the years. He has a deep understanding of the history of commercial fishing in the area, the use of nets, and their effects on the fish population. His knowledge also extends to the seasonal nature of fishing and the importance of understanding the historical context of fishing practices. Little is currently working on a book that will delve into the history of commercial fishing in Key West, providing a comprehensive view of the industry's evolution and its impact on the marine ecosystem.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Ed Little provides a comprehensive overview of the marine ecosystem, fisheries, and the impact of human activity on these areas, particularly in the Key West region. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the abundance and size of various fish species, observations of parasites and abnormalities, and changes in habitat and fishing conditions over the years. The interview also delves into the history of commercial fishing in the area, the use of nets, and their impact on the fish population. The discussion further touches on the seasonal nature of fishing and the importance of understanding the historical context of fishing practices. The interview also discusses the history of Spanish mackerel fishing in Key West and Marathon, Florida, and the fluctuations in the population of the fish. It also touches on the clarity of the water in the area and its potential impact on marine life. The conversation also covers observations of sedimentation and water clarity in the Florida Keys in the late 1940s, the mapping of the Atocha site, and the discovery of drowned river valleys and coral heads covered by sediment. The interview also touches on the search for treasure and the discovery of mastodon tusks and peat moss in the Margarita site.


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.