Herman Bruce, a retired fisherman hailing from New Bedford, Massachusetts, holds a legacy of 55 years within the fishing industry. With ancestral roots tracing back to Newfoundland, Herman's family immigrated to the United States during the 1930s. Herman's father initially cast his nets in New London, CT, before eventually anchoring in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Herman's earliest memories are of the sea, as he began his journey assisting in the maintenance of his father's fishing vessel. From diligently painting pen boards to navigating the rhythm of sea life, Herman's passion for fishing was nurtured at a young age. As the years rolled on, Herman graduated from summers spent fishing to becoming a seasoned ground fisherman, marking his full-time entry into the industry during the early 1960s. For two decades, Herman carved a niche in ground fishing before making a strategic shift into scalloping. He owned a series of Eastern rig draggers and several scallop boats, including his current vessel that sails out of New Bedford.

Scope and Content Note
Herman traces his family lineage to Newfoundland, highlighting their immigration story to the United States during the 1930s. Herman's father played a role in shaping his maritime destiny, having fished in New London, CT, before settling in New Bedford. Herman describes his early start in the fishing industry, engaging in tasks ranging from pen board painting to assisting in the galley. Transitioning from summers to full-time fishing, Herman's began ground fishing for approximately two decades before scalloping. Throughout the interview, Herman provides details about the mechanics of fishing life, from the meticulous process of setting out nets to the daily chores of sorting and icing the catch. He reminisces about a time when fuel oil stoves provided warmth amidst the chill of the sea and explains the significance of watches during a fishing voyage. Herman also talks about complex landscape of regulations and environmental concerns that have sculpted the fishing industry. Herman's candid perspective unveils the tension between fishermen and environmentalists, reflecting on the impact of regulations and the delicate balance required for sustainable fishing practices. Finally, Herman reflects on aging, the physical demands of scalloping, and frustrations encountered in the fishing world, including the omission of sea scallops on a seafood card and the challenges presented by environmental activism.