John Koenig

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
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

John Koenig is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys with extensive experience on the waters surrounding the archipelago. His life has been deeply intertwined with the marine environment, giving him a unique and personal perspective on the ecological changes that have occurred over the years. Koenig's firsthand knowledge comes from years of direct interaction with the marine ecosystem, particularly through fishing, which has been both a passion and a way of life for him.

Scope and Content Note
This oral history interview with John Koenig, conducted by Karen DeMaria, captures the personal observations and experiences of a seasoned Florida Keys local regarding the environmental changes in the region's waters. Koenig recounts the past clarity of the waters and the once-abundant fish populations that thrived in the area. He provides a vivid contrast to the present state, noting a significant decline in both water quality and marine life since the 1960s and 1970s. Koenig's narrative includes his experiences with various fishing practices, such as swordfish catching and the use of fishnets. He reflects on the noticeable reduction in certain fish species, including kingfish and bonefish, over the years. Koenig attributes these changes to multiple factors, including increased fishing pressure and the deployment of fish traps, which have contributed to the depletion of fish stocks. Additionally, Koenig discusses the environmental impact of land-based activities, specifically pointing to runoff from truck farming in the Homestead area as a contributing factor to the degradation of water clarity. He also mentions the emergence of algae in the waters, indicating a shift in the ecological balance of the region. Through this interview, DeMaria documents the valuable insights of a local expert, providing a qualitative account of the ecological shifts in the Florida Keys. Koenig's testimony serves as a historical record of the environmental changes witnessed by those who have spent their lives in close connection with these waters.


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.