Houston Serigny
Wetland Riders
The folks in the Wetland Riders collection were interviewed in the course of writing the book of that title. “Wetland Riders” was intended to help members of the commercial fishing industry and the general public understand how and why Gulf Coast states in the late 1980s and 1990s were giving exclusive access to key culinary species—such as the red drum and spotted seatrout—to the recreational fishing industry.
National Capital Contracting
On January 1, 1988, Robert Fritchey interviewed Houston Serigny, a lifelong resident of coastal Louisiana. He discusses his experiences as a commercial fisherman, trapper, and community member. Born into a family deeply connected to the waterways and fisheries of the region, Serigny provides a vivid account of his life and work, including his family’s history of fishing, trapping, and navigating environmental and economic changes. The interview covers a range of topics, including the evolution of fishing techniques, such as transitioning from rowing boats to using motorized engines, and the development of fishing nets from handmade to nylon varieties. Serigny recounts challenges faced by local fishermen, such as restrictive access to waterways, declining fish populations, and economic hardships caused by changes in market demand and regulatory policies. He shares stories of his father’s resourcefulness in crafting tools and adapting to new technologies, as well as his own efforts to sustain a livelihood through fishing, shrimping, and trapping. Serigny also reflects on broader issues affecting his community, including land loss, environmental changes, and the impact of hurricanes. He speaks candidly about the cultural and economic dynamics of the region, emphasizing the resilience and ingenuity of the local population.
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