Jackie Thompson

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town

Description

For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
08-01-2000
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Video
Abstract

On August 1, 2000, Matthew Barr interviewed Jackie Thompson for the Wild Caught oral history project in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Jackie Thompson is the wife and daughter of commercial fishermen, and her family has deep roots in the shrimping industry. She describes growing up in Sneads Ferry and living a life centered around the local fishing community, raising five children alongside her husband while navigating the challenges of a dangerous profession. In the interview, Thompson recounts a serious accident involving her son, Billy, who was injured while working with a winch on a fishing boat. She reflects on the constant dangers that commercial fishermen face, such as unpredictable weather and mechanical failures. Despite these risks, Thompson emphasizes the pride and resilience of the community, noting how the fishing lifestyle provided her family with a strong foundation. She speaks of the peace and calmness that fishing brings, explaining how it becomes "part of the blood" for many who grow up in the industry. Thompson also highlights the tight-knit nature of the Sneads Ferry community, where neighbors and fellow fishermen readily assist one another in times of need. She contrasts this close community support with the more impersonal dynamics she associates with urban living. The interview touches on Thompson’s active involvement in her local church, where she holds multiple leadership roles.


Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out  Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc.  The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry. 

The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.

Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.