Joe Kaknes is a retired fisherman from Gloucester, Massachusetts. He was born in 1950 and grew up in the Bay View neighborhood of Gloucester. His family background is a mix of Greek and Irish heritage. Joe Kaknes is known for his experiences in the fishing industry, particularly swordfishing, and his insights into the challenges and changes faced by fishermen over the years.

Scope and Content Note
Joe Kaknes provides a detailed glimpse into his life and experiences as a fisherman. He discusses his upbringing in Gloucester's Bay View neighborhood, which has a rich history tied to the granite industry. He talks about his family's heritage, with Greek relatives immigrating to the U.S. at the turn of the century, and Irish relatives who were pre-famine immigrants. Joe shares his unique perspective on the fishing industry, highlighting his own journey into fishing and the various types of fishing he engaged in, such as swordfishing, red crabbing, and tub trawling. He discusses the challenges and dangers of the fishing profession, including close calls during storms at sea and the impact of dragging on the ocean's ecosystem. Throughout the interview, Joe emphasizes the changes he witnessed in the fishing industry, including the decline of fish stocks and the impact of regulations on fishermen's livelihoods. He voices concerns about the future of the industry, expressing a desire for more sustainable practices and a return to hook and line fishing to allow fish stocks to recover. Reflecting on his experiences, Joe offers advice for aspiring fishermen, highlighting the importance of education and cautioning against entering the industry due to its challenges. He discusses the effects of tourism on Gloucester's economy and describes the changing landscape of the port, which has seen a decline in the number of fishing boats and fishermen.