Jay Speakman is a former fisherman with a rich history in the fishing industry. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Speakman considers Maine his true home, where he has roots going back several generations. His early experiences in fishing began as a child during summers spent on Little Cranberry Island, Maine, where he was introduced to lobster fishing. His career later took him to British Columbia and Alaska in the 1970s, where he engaged in various fishing activities including gill netting herring roe, long lining and seining for halibut, set netting for salmon and King Crabbing. Speakman's family history is deeply intertwined with the fishing industry, with ancestors who were fishermen from the Cranberry Isles. After leaving the fishing industry, Speakman transitioned into a career in retail, running a large store with his wife. Despite his departure from fishing, Speakman maintains a strong connection to the industry through his involvement in the Fisherpoets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Jay Speakman, conducted by Madeleine Hall Arber on September 27, 2013, provides a comprehensive exploration of Speakman's life and experiences in the fishing industry. Speakman discusses his early introduction to lobster fishing in Maine during his childhood summers, his later fishing experiences in British Columbia and Alaska, and the changes he has observed in the fisheries over the years. Speakman shares his perspective on the evolution of the fishing industry, including the economic challenges and regulatory changes that have impacted fishermen. He reflects on the shift from small-scale fishing to larger operations, the introduction of limited entry and individual quotas, and the effects of these changes on younger, more aggressive fishermen. Speakman also delves into his family history, revealing his lineage of fishermen from the Cranberry Isles. He reflects on his transition from fishing to running a retail store with his wife, and his ongoing connection to the fishing community through his involvement in the Fisherpoets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon. In addition, Speakman discusses his daughter's interest in fishing and her experiences in Alaska and Maine. He shares his belief in the importance of education and understanding the science behind fishing, emphasizing the responsibility fishermen have towards the creatures they harvest. The interview provides a rich narrative of Speakman's life, offering valuable insights into the social and cultural characteristics of fishing communities, changes in fishing technology, and the generational knowledge passed down within fishing families. It also highlights the ethical considerations involved in fishing, the importance of sustainable practices, and the role of education in fostering responsible fishing.