Willis Spears Jr. speaks about his 54 years as a commercial fisherman off of Cousins Island, ME, focusing on the history of shrimping, the differences between dragging and trapping shrimp, and the changes in the Portland working waterfront over his lifetime. He describes the interaction between fishermen and Portland authorities in their efforts to advocate for the fishing community’s needs and emphasizes the importance of passing information and knowledge to future generations.

Stephen Train is a seasoned commercial fisherman hailing from Long Island, Maine, a tight-knit community deeply rooted in maritime traditions. Born into a family with a rich legacy of fishing, Train has spent the majority of his life navigating the waters of the North Atlantic, harvesting the sea's bounty. His intimate knowledge of the local marine environment, coupled with years of hands-on experience, has made him a respected figure among his peers.

Russell Brohl, a retired ship captain and member of the port authority, is a long-term resident of South Bass Island, Ohio, with deep roots in the local community. His life has been intricately woven into the fabric of the island, where he has witnessed and participated in its evolution over the years. Brohl's background is a tapestry of experiences that range from the day-to-day management of island affairs to the stewardship of its natural and cultural heritage.

Nicole Faghin is a coastal management specialist affiliated with Washington Sea Grant, an organization dedicated to fostering sustainable use of marine resources. Her professional endeavors are primarily centered around the Puget Sound region, where she engages with waterfront communities. Faghin's work encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, including the preservation of working waterfronts, the mediation of land use conflicts, the addressing of environmental concerns, and the advancement of workforce education.

From initially moving to Traverse City, Michigan, to open a dive shop, Mike Wills has worked in a variety of waterfront-related jobs, from working on boats, operating two marinas, opening a community sailing program, and developing three waterfront real estate in downtown Traverse City. Wills serves as the chair of the Discovery Center Great Lakes, a prominent organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the working waterfront in Traverse City, Michigan.

Working for a non-regulatory group, the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes in Lansing, MI, Matthew Preisser does statewide and regional planning work to protect and restore the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them. He serves in a professional capacity within the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, where his responsibilities are centered on coastal zone management and the execution of federal programs pertinent to the region. His role is critical in fostering connections and providing support to the island communities scattered throughout the Great Lakes.

Duke Marshall and Mark Nelson are prominent figures from Smith Island, Maryland, known for their active involvement in the community's affairs. They have been instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by the island, including an aging population, a declining workforce, and changing demographics. Their commitment to the island's welfare is deeply rooted in its unique isolation and history, which they consider integral to the identity of its residents.

Chris Kellems is a retired sustainable building advisor from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. She is the owner of a company named Sustainable Building Concepts. Kellems has a deep understanding of the history and current issues of her hometown, particularly those related to the waterfront. She is well-versed in the historical significance of Sturgeon Bay as a harbor town with a working waterfront, which was once a hub for shipbuilding, yacht building, and agricultural product port.

Brandon Schroeder is an Extension Educator with the Michigan Sea Grant college program, a collaborative effort between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. He is employed through Michigan State University Extension, which forms the other half of Michigan Sea Grant. Schroeder lives and works in Lincoln, Michigan, Alcona County, serving the northern coastal communities of northern Lake Huron. His work primarily involves fisheries, working with commercial fishermen, charter boat fishermen, and the recreational community.

Annie Turek is a professional working for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Management Program. She is based in Chicago, Illinois, and is involved with the Illinois International Port District, also known as the Port of Chicago. Turek's work focuses on revitalizing the port and reconnecting it with the community. She is interested in creating outdoor recreation opportunities and enhancing the port's appeal to both the local community and tourists.