Kathi Harrington and Richard Puterbaugh

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Description

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.

Date of Interview
03-23-2018
Audio
Biographical Sketch

Kathi Harrington is a resident of Brunswick, Georgia. She is married to Richard Puterbaugh, a seasoned shrimper. Kathi is a supportive partner and a mother, often sharing her experiences and perspectives on the impacts of the shrimping industry on their family life. She provides valuable insights into the social and emotional aspects of the fishing community, including the challenges faced by their daughter, Savannah, due to the misconceptions about the shrimping industry.

Richard Puterbaugh is a veteran shrimper based in Brunswick, Georgia. He has spent a significant part of his life in the shrimping industry, working on various boats and eventually owning five of his own. Richard has a wealth of experience and knowledge about the industry, its traditions, and its future. He has also been involved in research projects related to marine life, particularly turtles, and has worked with marine biology students to provide a balanced perspective on the shrimping industry's impact on marine life. Richard is a strong advocate for the shrimping community, often sharing his experiences and insights to dispel misconceptions about the industry.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Richard Puterbaugh and Kathi Harrington, conducted by Kendra Cooper and Alexis McGhee, is part of the Fishing Traditions and Fishing Futures research project at Georgia Southern University. The interview provides a comprehensive look into the life and experiences of a shrimper and his family in Brunswick, Georgia. The interview covers a wide range of topics, including Richard's early life and entry into the shrimping industry, his experiences working on various boats, and his perspectives on the industry's future [1][5]. Richard also discusses his involvement in marine life research projects, particularly those related to turtles, and his efforts to provide a balanced perspective on the shrimping industry's impact on marine life. Kathi Harrington shares her experiences as a shrimper's wife and mother, providing insights into the social and emotional aspects of the fishing community. She discusses the challenges faced by their daughter due to misconceptions about the shrimping industry. The interview provides valuable insights into the shrimping industry's realities, its impact on the community, and the lives of those involved in it. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the fishing traditions and the future of the industry. It also highlights the importance of understanding and preserving the heritage of coastal Georgia and the shrimping industry. The interview is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in the shrimping industry, marine life, and the social and economic aspects of fishing communities. It provides a unique perspective on the industry from the viewpoint of those directly involved in it.


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