Eva Liput

Location of Interview
Collection Name

The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project

Description

The Working Waterfront Festival Community  Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals  from other ports around the country. Folklorist and    Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar/Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are Project Leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.

Date of Interview
09-25-2005
Transcribers

Janice Gadaire Fleuriel

Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Eva Liput is a fishing vessel captain and a Polish immigrant who moved to the United States in 1986. She grew up in Poland, where her father worked as a fisherman on George's Bank. Eva developed an interest in sailing at a young age, influenced by her older brother who was a sailor. After immigrating to the United States, Eva first settled in Newport, Rhode Island, before eventually moving to New Bedford, Massachusetts. In 1986, she started working as a deckhand on the fishing vessel Michigan, a scalloper. Over the years, Eva worked on several different boats, gaining experience and knowledge in fishing techniques and gear handling. Currently, she serves as the captain of the scalloper Quincy Second, based in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Eva Liput, conducted on September 25, 2005, provides insights into her personal background, career progression from a deckhand to a captain, and her perspectives on the fishing industry. Eva discusses her early sailing experience in Poland, her father's work on George's Bank, and her own journey as a fisherman in the United States. She reflects on the changes in fishing practices and technology since she started in 1986, emphasizing the importance of experience and observation in finding scallop beds. Eva also shares her thoughts on the challenges of scallop fishing, the role of log-keeping and technology in navigation, and the unique characteristics of scallops as a catch. The interview covers various topics related to the fishing industry, including boat design, gear technology, scallop shucking, scheduling on a fishing boat, and the significance of New Bedford as a fishing hub. Eva discusses the impact of regulations, particularly those enforced by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), on the fishing industry. She raises concerns about the limited entry system, the lack of long-term research on scallops, the negative consequences of closed areas, and the need for better communication between fishermen and regulatory agencies. Eva also touches on the gender dynamics within the industry and highlights the importance of public awareness and support for local fishermen. The interview offers a glimpse into the life of a female fishing vessel captain and the evolving nature of fishing practices in the United States. Additionally, the conversation with Eva touches on various aspects of the fishing industry and its future. Eva emphasizes the importance of observation, intuition, and adapting to changing conditions in fishing. She highlights the role of experienced captains and mentors, the historical significance of fishing and exploration, and the need for collaboration between scientists and fishermen. Eva expresses concerns about increased regulations and the potential for corporatization in the fishing industry. She also discusses her experience as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field and the importance of supporting and sustaining the fishing industry for future generations. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the significance of understanding the fishing industry and its cultural and historical value. Overall, the interview and conversation provide insights into the fishing industry, including its techniques, history, challenges, and the perspectives of fishermen and industry professionals.


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