Jonathan Bennett
Boat Stories
Commercial fishing has deep cultural ties to the Georgia coast, particularly the shrimping industry, which is the state’s largest and most economically valuable fishery. Shrimping has played an integral role in shaping the identities of the commercial fishermen who have spent most of their lives on the water. At the heart of these identities are the fishing boats that have carried captains and their crew for decades.
These vessels have been bought and sold by fishermen up and down the coast for decades, connecting multiple generations of fishing families. They serve as the backbone of Georgia’s shrimping industry and have become iconic symbols for fresh and locally harvested seafood for the millions of residents and tourists who visit the coast.
In 2020-2021, Anthropologists at Georgia Southern University collaborated with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to record the stories and experiences of local shrimpers and their boats. Funded by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resource Division through a Coastal Improvement Grant (NOAA #NA20NOS4190175), student researchers learned about commercial fishing as they conducted these oral history interviews. These recordings powerfully preserve the voices and culture of commercial fishing to be shared with current and future generations. This database of knowledge is also available to guide science and regulatory decisions. Get to know Georgia's commercial fishermen by listening to their "Boat Stories"
Yhambria Simmons
Jonathan Bennett is a commercial fisherman based in Brunswick, Georgia. Born into a family deeply involved in the fishing industry, Bennett has been engaged in commercial fishing since birth. His grandfather owned boats and his uncles ran bait businesses, providing him with a rich background in the industry from a young age. After graduating, Bennett began running boats and has since dedicated his life to the profession. He has worked on several vessels, with his most recent being The Flying Cloud, an 85 by 24-foot boat with a twin Caterpillar unit. Despite his young age, Bennett has a deep love for his work and sees it as more than just a job. He values the freedom it provides and the diverse skills it requires, from carpentry to welding.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Jonathan Bennett, conducted on November 12, 2021, in Brunswick, Georgia, provides an in-depth look into his life and experiences as a commercial fisherman. Bennett discusses his upbringing in a family deeply involved in the fishing industry and his journey into becoming a boat runner after graduation. He shares his love for the profession, highlighting the freedom it offers and the diverse skills it requires. Bennett also provides insights into the different boats he has worked on, with a particular focus on his most recent vessel, The Flying Cloud. In addition to his personal experiences, Bennett discusses the rules and regulations that come with fishing in different locations, such as Florida and North Carolina. He explains the restrictions on net sizes and the distances from the shore where fishing is allowed. Bennett also shares his thoughts on the use of turtle shooters and fish eyes, expressing his dislike for the latter as they let half of the shrimp out. Towards the end of the interview, Bennett offers advice to younger individuals interested in joining the fishing industry. He emphasizes the need for dedication, caution in choosing boats and crew, and the importance of learning from experienced captains. The interview concludes with Bennett expressing his satisfaction with his career choice, stating that he has always done well and made good money.
Project Note
This project is supported under grant award #NA20NOS4190175 to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources from the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of DNR, OCM or NOAA.
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