Don DeMaria is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, having moved there permanently in 1977, although he had been visiting the area since 1965. He initially lived in Key West before moving to Summerland around 1984. DeMaria is a college graduate and has been a commercial fisherman since 1972. His fishing experience extends to various locations, including Tortugas, Boca Grande, and Marquesas, with his work in Tortugas beginning when he moved to the Keys permanently. DeMaria's fishing methods include spearfishing and catching tropical fish.

Glenn Evans and Mark Nease are two divers/boat captains with extensive experience and knowledge about the marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Glenn Evans, a seasoned marine biologist, has spent a significant portion of his career studying the changes in the marine ecosystem, with a particular focus on water conditions such as clarity, algae blooms, and visibility. His work has contributed significantly to the understanding of the impact of environmental changes on marine life.

Ken Nedimeyer, a seasoned marine conservationist, has dedicated a significant portion of his career to studying and preserving marine ecosystems. His work, often in collaboration with prominent organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, has been pivotal in documenting and responding to changes within marine environments. Nedimeyer's expertise extends to a deep understanding of marine species, particularly the dynamics of lobster populations, which he has observed to be in decline due to habitat shrinkage and other environmental stressors.

Narrator Peter Gladding of Key West, Florida was a commercial fisherman at the time of the interview.
 

Joyce Newman is a resident of the Florida Keys with a rich personal history intertwined with the environmental and cultural fabric of the region. She was an environmentalist and recreational fisher at the time of the interview. She is a former public school teacher and a knowledgeable figure regarding the local ecology and the socio-economic dynamics of the area. Newman's tenure in the Florida Keys has allowed her to witness firsthand the evolution of the environment, giving her insights into the subtle and overt changes that have occurred over time.

Vicki Impallomeni is a wilderness guide and charter fishing captain with a rich history of navigating the waters of the Florida Keys. Her life has been deeply intertwined with the sea, having spent countless hours steering her vessel through the intricate waterways of this unique archipelago. Impallomeni's expertise extends beyond mere navigation; she possesses an intimate knowledge of the local marine environment, acquired through years of observation and interaction with the natural elements of the region.

Blondel Handcock is a seasoned fisherman with a rich history in the industry. Handcock has spent a significant portion of his life in the fishing industry, with his career spanning from 1976 to 1978. His experiences have not only been confined to his birthplace, but he also had the opportunity to work in Europe. Handcock's expertise in the field is evident in his detailed knowledge of fishing practices and the industry's dynamics. He has a deep understanding of the value of certain fishing practices and the implications of not adhering to them.

Dave Nolan is a long-time resident of the Keys, having lived there for thirteen years. Prior to his move, he served in the Navy and was stationed in Japan. Nolan is currently in his late forties, soon to turn fifty. He first visited the Keys in the early 1960s before eventually deciding to settle there. Nolan earned a four-year college degree, and attended graduate school. After leaving the Navy, he initially worked in the charter boat industry before transitioning to his current role as the director of the AIDS Prevention Center.

Debbie Harrison is a long-time resident of the Lower Keys in Florida, having lived there for fifteen years, with a brief hiatus when she returned to Michigan to care for her mother. She is a certified diver since 1983 and has spent a significant amount of time exploring the back country and diving on the reef. Harrison has held a variety of jobs, including grafting, hotel/motel work, and working on a lobster boat, which she considered more fun than work. She has also worked as a planner for the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust and another unidentified organization.

Joan Nolan is a long-term resident of the Florida Keys with a deep connection to the local marine environment. Her life in the Keys has been characterized by her close relationship with the water, both professionally and recreationally. Joan has spent years observing and interacting with the marine ecosystem through her occupation, which remains unspecified, and her extensive involvement in volunteer work related to water conservation and marine life protection.