Jerry "Bubba" Austin
Boat Stories
Commercial fishing has deep cultural ties to the Georgia coast, particularly the shrimping industry, which is the state’s largest and most economically valuable fishery. Shrimping has played an integral role in shaping the identities of the commercial fishermen who have spent most of their lives on the water. At the heart of these identities are the fishing boats that have carried captains and their crew for decades.
These vessels have been bought and sold by fishermen up and down the coast for decades, connecting multiple generations of fishing families. They serve as the backbone of Georgia’s shrimping industry and have become iconic symbols for fresh and locally harvested seafood for the millions of residents and tourists who visit the coast.
In 2020-2021, Anthropologists at Georgia Southern University collaborated with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to record the stories and experiences of local shrimpers and their boats. Funded by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resource Division through a Coastal Improvement Grant (NOAA #NA20NOS4190175), student researchers learned about commercial fishing as they conducted these oral history interviews. These recordings powerfully preserve the voices and culture of commercial fishing to be shared with current and future generations. This database of knowledge is also available to guide science and regulatory decisions. Get to know Georgia's commercial fishermen by listening to their "Boat Stories"
Jerry "Bubba" Austin Jr. is a seasoned fisherman based in Brunswick, Georgia. With over forty years of experience in the fishing industry, Austin has owned and operated three fishing vessels since 1995, the most recent of which is named Captain Snapper. Austin's career has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, including the sinking of his first two boats and the impact of environmental changes on the local shrimp population. Despite these obstacles, Austin has remained committed to his craft, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for his work.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Jerry "Bubba" Austin Jr., conducted on January 28, 2022, provides an in-depth look at Austin's experiences in the fishing industry. Over the course of the 54-minute interview, Austin discusses the history of his fishing vessels, his thoughts on the fishing industry, and his experiences working with family members on his boats. Austin shares the story of his current boat, the Captain Snapper, and explains why he has chosen to keep its original name. He also reflects on the challenges he has faced in his career, including the sinking of his first two boats and the decline in the local shrimp population. Despite these challenges, Austin expresses a steadfast commitment to his work and a hope for the future of the industry. In addition to his personal experiences, Austin also provides insight into broader changes in the fishing industry, including the impact of environmental changes on shrimp populations and the decline in the number of fishing boats in his area. He also discusses the impact of a recent disaster in his fishing area and shares his concerns about the future of fishing in that region. This interview provides valuable insights into the experiences of a long-time fisherman and offers a unique perspective on the challenges and changes in the fishing industry over the past several decades.
Project Note
This project is supported under grant award #NA20NOS4190175 to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources from the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of DNR, OCM or NOAA.
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