Henry Allerdt was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1943 and moved to the New Bedford area when he was seven or eight years old. He attended Fairhaven High School and spent his summers fishing with his father, who was a fisherman during the Depression. He fished with his father on a small dragger, a sixty-five-foot boat, and also fished independently for extra money while in school. After high school, he continued working in the fishing industry, learning different methods from various people in the fleet. He eventually became a captain and owned several boats, hiring crew members from different ethnic backgrounds. Allerdt worked hard, often spending his time getting the boat ready for the next trip during his limited time off. He was known for his zero-tolerance policy for drinking on the boat and for his dedication to maintenance and preparation. Allerdt has experienced some of the worst weather conditions, including the Perfect Storm of 1991, and has seen the fishing industry change due to regulations and industry shifts. He has expressed concern about the impact of regulations on the fishing industry and the challenges faced by fishermen. Allerdt has been involved in the fishing industry for most of his life and has witnessed the changes and challenges that have shaped the industry over the years.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Henry Allerdt covers a wide range of topics related to his experiences as a commercial fisherman in New Bedford and the impact of regulations on the fishing industry. Allerdt provides biographical information, discussing his upbringing in New Bedford, his early years fishing with his father and his transition to becoming a captain and owner of fishing boats. He describes the demanding nature of the work, including the long hours and the importance of maintaining the boats and equipment. Allerdt also shares his experiences with extreme weather conditions, such as the Perfect Storm of 1991, and the challenges of working in such conditions. The interview delves into the impact of regulations on the fishing industry, with Allerdt expressing his views on the changes brought about by regulations and the challenges faced by fishermen. He discusses the self-imposed regulations that were in place in the 1960s and 1970s and how the industry has evolved over time. Allerdt also touches on the decline in the number of young people entering the fishing industry and the reasons behind this trend. Additionally, the interview provides insights into the social and cultural characteristics of fishing, including informal rules and regulations, gear and fishing technology, and the business and economic effects of regulation. Allerdt reflects on the changes in the industry and the impact of these changes on the working waterfront in New Bedford. The interview concludes with a discussion about the preservation of the fishing industry and the importance of documenting the experiences of individuals involved in the industry.