Jim Dickey
Dock Stories
The Dock Stories project incorporates oral history research with other research methods in order to address simultaneous issues being experienced by fishing communities in Georgia. The project goals are to improve infrastructure and industry sustainability by identifying improvement opportunities within the constraints of land use, environmental impacts, weather patterns, aging infrastructure, and evolving vessel needs, while also documenting the cultural history of commercial fishing docks in Georgia. An integral part of the project is training student researchers in the Georgia Southern Anthropology program. Under the guidance of Dr. Sweeney Tookes (Georgia Southern University) and Bryan Fluech (University of Georgia Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant), students are receiving comprehensive training in conducting interviews, oral histories, and appropriate interview protocols. They then spend several days at a time on the Georgia coast, learning firsthand about the marshes, estuaries, vessels, and communities before commencing lengthy oral history interviews with local experts on the industry. This project began in 2024 and will continue through 2026, coordinated by Graduate Student Project Manager, Kristin Meeuwen.
Lilah Henderson
On April 13, 2024, Lillie Waters, Kristin Meeuwen, and Lilah Henderson interviewed Jim Dickey for the Dock Stories project at the UGA Marine Extension/Georgia Sea Grant in Brunswick, Georgia. Jim Dickey, a longtime resident and shrimper from St. Marys, Georgia, shares his extensive experience in the shrimping industry, which began when he was 16 years old. His family operated Dickey and Sons Seafood, a dock that was a significant part of the local economy from the 1950s until it was sold in 2010. Throughout the interview, Dickey reflects on the changes he has witnessed in the industry, including the shift from ice boats to freezer boats, the impact of hurricanes on the dock, and the challenges faced by the shrimping community as a result of declining shrimp populations and increased competition from larger boats. He also discusses the role of government regulations, such as the introduction of turtle excluder devices, and the initial resistance these changes met from the fishing community. Dickey's narrative provides a detailed account of the operational aspects of shrimping, including the technical details of bycatch management, the seasonal nature of shrimping, and the economic pressures that have led many to leave the industry. He also shares personal anecdotes that highlight the camaraderie and challenges among those working on the docks, such as humorous incidents with inexperienced crew members and the competitive nature of working with family. As the industry has evolved, Dickey notes the diminishing involvement of younger generations in shrimping, reflecting on his own decision to support his son in pursuing a different career path. The interview concludes with Dickey's thoughts on the future of commercial fishing, emphasizing the need for government support and the importance of adapting to new challenges to sustain the industry.
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