Jimmy Albright

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Description

"Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents" is a  collection by Karen DeMaria of Summerland Key, FL completed in April 1996. Funded by the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, the project sought to describe through oral history interviews, environmental changes in the Florida Keys marine ecosystem. 

Interviewer
Date of Interview
04-01-1996
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting
Molly Graham 

DOI
10.25923/SAVR-5C32
Audio
Biographical Sketch

Narrator Jimmy Albright of Islamorada, FL was a retired fishing guide at the time of the interview. He is the originator of the Albright Knot, a strong line-to-line connection used for attaching lines of different diameters. His career spans several decades, during which he has developed a deep understanding of the local marine environment and its inhabitants. Albright's work has placed him at the forefront of observing the ecological changes within this unique ecosystem. His firsthand knowledge and observations have made him a valuable resource for understanding the historical and current state of the Florida Keys waters. His insights are informed by a lifetime spent navigating these waters, providing a personal perspective on the environmental shifts that have occurred over time.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Jimmy Albright, conducted alongside Karen DeMaria, focuses on the environmental changes observed in the waters of the Florida Keys, with a particular emphasis on Florida Bay. The discussion encompasses a range of topics, including the deterioration of water quality, the reduction in water depth, and the decline of fish populations. Albright and DeMaria also address the impacts of commercial fishing and boating activities on the area's marine ecosystem. Throughout the interview, Albright recounts his experiences as a fishing guide, offering a historical account of the changes he has witnessed in the environment. The conversation touches upon specific locations, such as Islamorada, noting the discoloration of the water and its implications. The content of the interview provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental challenges facing the Florida Keys, as seen through the eyes of individuals closely connected to the region.


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.