Herb Marvin
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
Herb Marvin is a native of Homestead, Florida, with deep familial ties to the region's commercial fishing industry. His personal history is interwoven with the environmental and industrial changes in Florida Bay. Marvin's upbringing in Homestead provided him with a unique perspective on the natural landscape and the community's reliance on its resources. His family's involvement in commercial fishing allowed him firsthand insight into the practices and challenges of the industry. Over the years, Marvin has witnessed significant transformations in the area, notably the construction of canals, which he identifies as having a substantial impact on the local environment. His experiences growing up and his family's connection to the fishing trade have equipped him with a wealth of knowledge about the historical conditions of Florida Bay, which he has endeavored to document and preserve through the collection of stories and personal accounts.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Herb Marvin encompasses a detailed examination of the historical and environmental changes in Florida Bay, with a particular focus on the fishing industry. Marvin discusses the evolution of shrimping in the region, noting alterations in fishing conditions and the consequent environmental degradation. He highlights the roles of specific individuals in the fishing sector. He describes the observable decline in fish populations, attributing it to pollution and its detrimental effects on water quality and marine life. Marvin also addresses the broader changes in the landscape, including the notable decrease in mullet populations. Furthermore, he provides insights into the discoloration of the water and the challenges faced by the fishing industry due to pollution and other environmental factors. The conversation extends to the implications of infrastructural developments, such as canal alterations, water runoff, and contamination, on water quality and fish populations. Marvin touches upon the downturn in commercial fishing, the presence of oil rigs, and the influence of park regulations on fishing practices and wildlife conservation. The interview serves as a comprehensive narrative of the interplay between human activity and environmental change in Florida Bay, as recounted by someone with a lifetime of personal experience in the area.
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.