It was a living nightmare.  Something I never want to experience again because besides the waters being closed for clamming, you couldn’t even drive through town.  There were boats in the roads everywhere.  It took a couple of weeks for bulldozers to get rid of boats.  There were boats blocking people’s front doors.  Boats that knocked down fences.  it was devastation.  The more you think about it, the more you remember.

Joe Scavone is a bayman and fisherman from Freeport, New York, with over four decades of experience in the commercial fishing industry. Born and raised in the region, Scavone began clamming and fishing as a teenager, initially learning the trade recreationally with his father before transitioning to a professional career. He has spent most of his life harvesting various marine species, including clams, striped bass, herring, butterfish, weakfish, and codfish. Scavone is known for his extensive knowledge of local marine environments and his ability to adapt to changing conditions. His career has included working on various boats, most notably the Day Star, an oceangoing clam boat used for harvesting ocean clams. Scavone's expertise extends to both bay and ocean fishing, and he has experienced significant changes in the industry over the years. He continues to be an active member of the fishing community despite the numerous challenges posed by environmental changes and regulatory measures.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Joe Scavone, conducted by Nancy Solomon on December 30, 2015, explores the impacts of Superstorm Sandy on Scavone's fishing operations and the broader marine environment. Scavone discusses his long career in commercial clamming and fishing, providing detailed accounts of the species he has harvested and the methods he employs. The interview covers the immediate and long-term effects of the storm, including the closure of waters for clamming, changes in fish populations, and altered water conditions. Scavone describes the physical damage to his boats and property, the economic hardships faced during the recovery period, and the significant decline in his income following the storm. He also addresses broader ecological shifts, such as habitat changes and debris accumulation in the bay. The interview provides insight into the challenges faced by the local fishing community and Scavone's efforts to maintain his livelihood amidst these adversities. The discussion is focused on factual recounting of events and conditions without editorial commentary, highlighting Scavone's practical experiences and observations.