Jamie Perry

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Ellsworth High School - Maine

Description

These interviews were conducted as part of Ellsworth High School's participation in the NOAA Fisheries Service  (NMFS) Local Fisheries Knowledge Pilot Project 2003-2005.  All 10th graders participated in this interdisciplinary project that involved English, History, Social Studies, and Biology classes. To read about the LFK Project, go to http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/lfkproject/.

Date of Interview
03-24-2005
Transcribers

Joyce Whitmore

Principal Investigator
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Jamie and Annie Perry are a husband and wife who reside in Ellsworth, Maine. Jamie has been a lobsterman for approximately fourteen to fifteen years. His decision to become a lobster fisherman was influenced by his family's long-standing tradition in the fishing industry. The couple has children, and Mrs. Perry has had to adjust to the seasonal nature of Jamie's work, as lobster fishing provides income for only about five to six months of the year.

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Mr. and Mrs. Perry took place on March 24, 2005, at the Ellsworth High School Library. The interview was conducted by student interviewers Chris Archer and Emily Edgecomb, both in the tenth grade, under the supervision of teacher Rhonda Houston. The conversation provides insights into Jamie Perry's experiences as a lobsterman, covering topics such as the best season for lobster fishing, the challenges of the profession, the local rules and regulations, and changes in the lobster fishing industry over the years. The interview captures Jamie Perry's passion for lobster fishing and his appreciation for the ocean. He discusses the unpredictability of the profession, the impact of weather conditions on fishing, and the migratory patterns of lobsters. Jamie also shares his observations on unusual catches, local lobstering rules, and the regulations surrounding lobster size and female lobsters with eggs. Mrs. Perry contributes to the interview by providing her perspective on the challenges and lifestyle adjustments associated with being married to a lobsterman. She shares her thoughts on the cultural differences between fishing and other industries, the seasonal nature of Jamie's work, and the importance of her support in managing family responsibilities while Jamie is at sea. Overall, the interview offers a glimpse into the life of a lobsterman and the dynamics of a fishing family, shedding light on the dedication, hard work, and adaptability required in this unique occupation.


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.