Freddy Manny
Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents
"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.
National Capital Contracting
Freddy Manny has built a career that spans two distinct yet interrelated professions: sign painting and shrimping. His journey through the shrimping industry has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge about fishing techniques and the evolution of regulations within the field. Freddy has witnessed firsthand the effects of external factors such as Navy testing on the fishing environment and the resultant variations in shrimp sizes. His experience is not limited to a single locale; Freddy has engaged in shrimping and fishing across various regions, each with its unique challenges and characteristics. This breadth of experience has allowed him to observe and adapt to the diverse aspects of the industry. Throughout his career, Freddy has navigated the waters of change, both literal and metaphorical, as he balanced the artistry of sign painting with the practical demands of shrimping. His dual expertise reflects a life spent in the embrace of the sea and its shores, where the ebb and flow of tides mirror the shifting tides of an industry that has been both his livelihood and his passion. Freddy Manny's story is one of dedication to craft and resilience in the face of an ever-changing seascape.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Manny Freddy provides a comprehensive insight into his life as a fisherman and his experiences in the bait business. The conversation begins with a discussion about his fishing techniques, the types of fish he caught, and the evolution of his bait business. Manny shares his observations about the changing market prices for fish and the impact of ice on the business. He also talks about his experiences with different types of fish, particularly focusing on yellowtail snapper and grouper. The interview then shifts to Manny's experiences with shrimping. He recounts his shrimping years from 1951 to 1969, during which he traveled extensively along the coast of Mexico. He shares his observations about the differences in the types of fish caught in different regions, and the impact of regulations on his work. Manny also discusses the seasonal nature of shrimping and how it influenced his movements between Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mexico. The interview concludes with Manny's transition from shrimping to the net business, where he repaired shrimp nets.
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