John Isaksen is a retired fisherman, ship repair shop owner, and boat owner. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1936 and moved to Norway with his mother before World War II to care for his sick grandfather. They returned to Brooklyn in 1945 after the war. John's father was a fisherman who operated in Brooklyn during the winter and on George's Bank during the summer. In 1945, John and his family relocated to New Bedford, Massachusetts. He attended vocational high school and embarked on a career in fishing and boat repair. During his fishing career, John primarily engaged in scalloping and dragging. He witnessed significant changes in the fishing industry, including the transition from wooden to steel boats and the introduction of technological advancements like GPS and computerization. He discussed the importance of teamwork on fishing boats and shared insights into the conflicts between scientists and fishermen. John also mentioned the strike in 1982/83 and the role of unions in the fishing industry. After retiring from active fishing, John focused on his ship repair shop, "John and Bob's engine parts." He discussed the challenges of engine repair, the sizes and types of engines used on boats, and the impact of government regulations on the industry. Additionally, John reflected on the differences in boat amenities and technological advancements, such as fish finders and weather reporting systems.

Scope and Content Note:
The oral history interview with John Isaksen, conducted on September 24, 2005, provides valuable insights into his life as a fisherman and ship repair shop owner. The interview covers various topics, including his upbringing in Brooklyn and Norway, the fishing community in Brooklyn, the move to New Bedford, and his experiences in the fishing industry. John shares anecdotes about different boats he owned, the significance of teamwork, conflicts between scientists and fishermen, and the impact of technological advancements on fishing practices. The interview also touches on the 1982/83 strike, the role of unions, engine repair, boat amenities, and government regulations. John discusses his perspective on retirement from fishing and the adjustments his wife made during that transition. The interview concludes with reflections on family, social interactions within the fishing community, and the differences between the waterfront and the rest of New Bedford. Isaksen provides valuable firsthand information about the fishing industry, technological advancements, and the cultural dynamics of the Norwegian fishing community. It offers a glimpse into the challenges, changes, and personal experiences of an individual deeply involved in the fishing and boat repair business. Researchers interested in the history of fishing, maritime culture, and the impact of technology on traditional industries will find this oral history interview insightful. Isaksen discusses his retirement from fishing and the challenges he faced towards the end of his fishing career. Due to knee problems and a reduced crew size, he decided to retire from fishing. He mentions that he enjoyed the lifestyle but had difficulty with the long periods away from home. He also talks about the impact on his family and the adjustments they had to make when he started coming home every night. Isaksen reflects on the changes in the fishing industry, such as the decline of unions and the government's increased involvement in regulations. He also discusses the technological advancements in fishing, particularly the use of GPS and sophisticated electronics on boats. Isaksen shares his observations on the evolution of fishing practices and equipment, highlighting the improved accuracy and efficiency in locating fishing spots.