Ken Nedimeyer

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Description

"Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents" is a  collection by Karen DeMaria of Summerland Key, FL completed in April 1996. Funded by the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, the project sought to describe through oral history interviews, environmental changes in the Florida Keys marine ecosystem. 

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contractors 

Audio
Biographical Sketch

Ken Nedimeyer, a seasoned marine conservationist, has dedicated a significant portion of his career to studying and preserving marine ecosystems. His work, often in collaboration with prominent organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, has been pivotal in documenting and responding to changes within marine environments. Nedimeyer's expertise extends to a deep understanding of marine species, particularly the dynamics of lobster populations, which he has observed to be in decline due to habitat shrinkage and other environmental stressors. His insights into the marine ecosystem are not limited to lobsters, as he has a broad knowledge of fisheries and the overall health of underwater habitats. Nedimeyer's contributions to marine conservation are underscored by his ability to link ecological changes to broader impacts on water quality, fisheries, and community dynamics. His work reflects a profound commitment to preserving the integrity of marine life and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Ken Nedimeyer and Karen DeMaria provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and transformations occurring within marine ecosystems. Funded by the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, their project aims to document the multifaceted changes impacting marine life, including shifts in fisheries, water quality degradation, and alterations in community structures linked to the marine environment. Nedimeyer shares his firsthand observations on the decline of lobster populations and the contraction of their natural habitats, attributing these trends to various factors, including temperature fluctuations. The discussion also delves into the broader implications of these changes, such as the impact on the marine environment and the strategies employed by fishing communities to adapt to these shifts.


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.