Herbert Carter, Jr.
Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019
Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019 is a project of Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, and the Island Institute, with support from the Maine Fishermen’s Forum Board of Directors.
Ela Keegan
Herbert Carter Jr. is a commercial shellfish harvester from Deer Isle, ME.
Scope and Content Note
In this interview he speaks about the impacts of high levels of soot in the water around Deer Isle caused by mussel dragging. Carter describes his observations during the 64 years he has lived and worked on this coast and his current work to reintroduce mussel beds. Carter also highlights the decline in scallops, sea urchins, periwinkles, and fish populations, emphasizing the absence of fish in South Deer Isle waters. He notes the state regulations and calls for a return to manual shellfish harvesting and the end of dragging practices. Carter says he is determined to document and raise awareness about the ecological damage through his own efforts, including recording video footage.
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