Heath and Lee Hudson are mussel fishermen and entrepreneurs based in Maine. Heath Hudson owns a thirty-three-foot dragger named the Ms. Daisy, which was originally a lobster boat converted into a dragging vessel for mussel harvesting. The Hudsons operate the Frenchmen Bay Mussel Company, which was initially started by Heath's father. After his father retired, Heath purchased his boat and continued the family business.

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview took place on May 28, 2004, at Ellsworth High School Library. The interview was conducted by two student interviewers from Ellsworth High School, Amanda Close and Kellie Gonyea, as part of their sophomore project. Heath and Lee Hudson shared their experiences and insights into the fishing industry, specifically their work in mussel harvesting. The interview reveals that the Hudsons have specialized equipment on their boat, including a mussel washer, which is a large custom-built drum powered by a hydraulic motor. The mussel washer cleans the harvested mussels by removing mud and separating clumped mussels. The cleaned mussels are then handpicked and sorted, with the inferior mussels being separated from the marketable ones. The marketable mussels are bagged in mesh bags for sale. Heath Hudson explains that initially, he and his wife had to handpick the mussels themselves, but over the years, they have been able to hire additional help and invest in machinery to streamline the process. They have also expanded their business to include the sale of other fish, such as haddock, hake, cod, halibut, Greek baby octopus, California anchovies, wild sturgeon from Washington State, and Scottish salmon. The interview touches upon the changing dynamics of the fishing industry and the impact of increased competition on the Hudsons' business. They express concerns about overfishing and the need for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of the industry. The Hudsons also discuss the technological advancements that have benefited their fishing operations. They mention the use of radar GPS, which helps them navigate and locate other vessels and fish finders that utilize sonar waves to identify fish schools. Additionally, they mention the importance of data analysis tools and logbooks in meeting federal regulations and monitoring catch quotas. Heath and Lee Hudson openly discuss their business strategies, the challenges they face, and the need for responsible fishing practices. They also highlight the importance of organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in supporting and regulating the fishing industry. Additional topics include the equipment used in mussel harvesting, the process of preparing mussels for sale, the frequency of fishing trips, the changing dynamics of the fishing industry, concerns about overfishing and sustainability, and the impact of technological advancements on their operations.