Kelo Pinkham

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Maine Coast Oral History Initiative

Description

Through the support of the Maine Humanities Council and the Island Institute, the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association was able to collect hours of oral histories from fishermen throughout Maine.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
09-18-2013
Transcribers

Fantastic Transcripts
Molly Graham

Audio
Biographical Sketch

Kelo Pinkham is a seasoned fisherman with deep roots in the fishing industry, tracing his family's involvement back through generations. His career spans various facets of the industry, including flounder, cod, shrimp, and lobster fishing, primarily in the Gulf of Maine and the Sheepscot River. Pinkham's mother contributed to the family's fishing legacy by working in a fish processing plant. Throughout his career, Pinkham has witnessed significant shifts in fishing practices, the introduction of regulations, and the fluctuation of fish populations. His experience extends to fishing alongside individuals such as Stanley Coffin, with whom familial ties through intermarriage exist. Pinkham's life work reflects a broad spectrum of the fishing industry's history and evolution, particularly in the town of Boothbay, Maine.

Scope and Content Note:
The interview with Kelo Pinkham offers a comprehensive overview of his extensive career in the fishing industry and the historical changes within it. Pinkham discusses the family history in fishing, the variety of species caught, and the impact of regulatory measures on fishing practices. He provides insight into the decline of certain fish populations, such as cod in the Sheepscot River, and the use of bycatch reduction devices. The conversation covers the transition in lobstering from wooden to wire traps, the influence of tourism, and economic shifts affecting the industry. Pinkham reflects on the cyclical nature of fishing different species, including pogies, groundfish, and shrimp, and the emerging focus on aquaculture. He recounts the history of shrimp and river herring fishing in Boothbay, the introduction of peeling machines, and the transition from local to international markets. The fluctuating income from groundfish, shrimp, and lobster fishing, encounters with foreign processing vessels, and the changing approach to fishing due to regulations are also discussed. Pinkham touches on the career trajectory of fishermen, the popularity of lobstering, and the behavior of cod during the spring run. Lastly, he addresses the spawning run of cod, the decline of codfish populations, the use of lobster cars, and the impact of federal fisheries management, including quotas and enforcement measures.


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