Jeremy Edens

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, N.C., 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
09-01-2003
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Video
Abstract

Matthew Barr interviewed Jeremy Edens for the "Wild Caught" oral history project. Edens discusses his family's long-standing involvement in the fishing industry, tracing back to his great-grandfather, who started the family fish house business around 1925. Edens describes growing up in the fishing community, working in the family business from a young age, and eventually taking on more responsibilities after graduating high school in 1995. He discusses the decline in local shrimping and the impact of imported seafood on the domestic market. Edens notes that the rising real estate prices have pressured many family-run fish houses to sell their properties. He explains that his family decided to put their fish house on the market due to the unsustainable competition from imports and the skyrocketing real estate values. Edens elaborates on the evolution of the family business, mentioning various operations they had in different locations, including Florida and Harkers Island. He describes the broader trends affecting the fishing industry nationwide, including the economic pressures forcing many fish houses to close and the shift towards real estate development on waterfront properties. Edens expresses concern about the future of the fishing community, noting the lack of young people entering the industry and the challenges faced by those who remain, such as the high costs of fuel and production. The interview also highlights the social dynamics of Sneads Ferry, with Edens emphasizing the close-knit nature of the community. He shares anecdotes about community support during difficult times, such as fundraising efforts following a family tragedy. 


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.