Johnny Wayne Midgett
Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town
For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.
National Capital Contracting
Matthew Barr interviewed Johnny Wayne Midgett for the Wild Caught Oral History Project. Johnny Wayne Midgett is a long-time fisherman from Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, who has been deeply involved in the local fishing community. In the interview, Johnny recounts the lengthy battle he fought to maintain the right to use his property for his fishing business. He describes the difficulties he faced with the county commissioners and the Planning Department, highlighting the numerous meetings, legal appeals, and community support he garnered throughout the process. Midgett explains how he managed to turn the tide in his favor despite initial resistance and a lack of understanding about zoning laws and political processes. The interview delves into the specifics of Midgett's efforts, including the opposition he faced from certain community members and officials and the support he received from others. He details the emotional and financial toll the fight took on him and his family and how he relied on the assistance and encouragement of friends and fellow fishermen to persevere. Midgett also discusses the broader implications of his struggle for the local fishing community, emphasizing the importance of standing up for one's rights and the potential impact on future zoning and property use cases in the area. Throughout the conversation, Midgett reflects on the lessons he learned about politics, community solidarity, and resilience. He speaks about the changing landscape of the fishing industry in Sneads Ferry, the encroachment of real estate development, and the need for fishermen to unite and advocate for their interests.
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.