John "Jeff" Ferreira
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals from other ports around the country. Folklorist and Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar/Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are Project Leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.
Laura Orleans
Francisco Ferreira, known as "Captain Jeff," is a respected commercial fisherman with a rich background rooted in his birthplace of Portugal. He has established his homeport in the bustling fishing community of New Bedford, Massachusetts. With a focus on both scalloping and dragging fishing techniques, Captain Jeff operates aboard the fishing vessel Apollo, a remarkable boat holding dual licenses for scalloping and dragging. Beyond his role as a capable mariner, Captain Jeff maintains a strong connection to the family-owned business, F & B Rubberized. This company has made significant strides in the recycling sector and is renowned for introducing innovative products to the commercial fishing industry. Captain Jeff Ferreira's story is one of dedication and expertise in the maritime domain. His commitment to responsible fishing practices and his contributions to both his family's business and the industry at large make him a notable figure in the world of commercial fishing.
Scope and Content Note
Francisco Ferreira, a commercial fisherman from New Bedford, Massachusetts, shares his experiences and perspectives within the fishing industry. Francisco's background as an immigrant from Portugal, growing up in a fishing family, provides a unique lens through which he views the industry's changes over the years. He delves into the intricacies of fishing techniques, notably dragging and scalloping, describing the physical and demanding nature of these methods. Francisco underscores the significance of learning from older generations, lamenting the decline in skills and knowledge among crew members due to shifting regulations and retiring fishermen. Francisco sheds light on the dynamics aboard fishing vessels, stressing the importance of effective captain-crew interactions for successful catches. He also critiques catch-share systems and their financial challenges, which hinder profitability for fishermen. Francisco recounts challenging moments at sea, highlights the tight-knit fishing community's support, and expresses a profound affection for the job. They share both the rewarding and trying aspects of their work, including encounters with unusual items in their nets. Misconceptions about fishermen are addressed, emphasizing their responsible and familial nature.
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