Jonathan Bennett
Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia
The goal of the “Fishing Traditions and Fishing Futures” project is to raise awareness of the experiences of commercial fishermen and their changing livelihoods in Georgia by documenting their local fisheries knowledge and perspectives about the state and fate of Georgia’s commercial fishing industry through the use of oral histories. Capturing the life stories and experiences of Georgia’s commercial fishermen is especially important since many local communities have depended on the coastal environment for their economic and cultural base for generations.
Jonathan Bennett is a fifth-generation commercial fisherman from Brantley County in Waynesville, Georgia. Born into a family deeply involved in the shrimping industry, Bennett has been on a boat since he was three years old. His grandfather, who owned his own boats, introduced him to the fishing life, which he describes as a rough and labor-intensive one. Despite the challenges, Bennett took over his own boat at the age of twenty, a decision driven by opportunity and the need to support his family financially. He has ventured into new fishing territories, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, using modern technology like Apple computers for navigation. Bennett plans to continue in the fishing industry as long as it remains profitable and regulations do not become overly restrictive.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Jonathan Bennett, conducted by Victoria Barrett and Julia Thomas on March 23, 2018, provides an in-depth look into the life and experiences of a young commercial fisherman in Georgia. Bennett discusses his upbringing in a family deeply involved in the shrimping industry, the challenges and rewards of his career, and his views on the future of the industry. He shares his daily routine on the boat, the hard labor involved, and the dangers of the job, including rough weather and equipment failures. Bennett also discusses the impact of regulations on the industry, expressing concern about increasing restrictions and their effect on his ability to make a living. Despite the hardships, he appreciates the freedom of being his own boss and the financial rewards of the job. Bennett also touches on the use of technology in fishing, describing how it has enabled him to venture into new territories.
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