Kenny Reinertsen

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Description

These oral histories capture and share the history and stories of commercial California halibut trawl fishermen, providing a way for the public to connect with local fishermen and the source of their seafood. Interviews are conducted with with California halibut trawl fishermen in the San Francisco and Half Moon Bay ports, focusing on the fishermen’s fishing history, their family’s fishing history, and their plans for the future. This project will preserve pieces of the history of the California halibut trawl fishermen, as well as build and strengthen relationships between NOAA, the state, local fishermen, and the community.

Date of Interview
08-08-2018
Transcribers

Pioneer Transcription Services

Audio
Biographical Sketch

Born into a lineage of fishermen, Kenny Reinertsen has spent a lifetime navigating the waters in pursuit of California Halibut. His career, deeply rooted in tradition, has been a testament to the enduring nature of the fishing industry. Reinertsen's journey has been marked by a series of adaptations to the ever-changing conditions of the sea and the fishery. He has developed a keen sense for the influence of weather on fishing outcomes and has honed his skills in utilizing various gear and tactics to optimize his catch. Despite the industry's volatility, Reinertsen has remained steadfast in his commitment to the profession. His narrative encompasses the geographical variances between fishing in California and the northern regions, highlighting the distinct challenges and lifestyles associated with each area. Reinertsen's life story is a chronicle of persistence, adaptation, and a profound connection to the ocean.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Kenny Reinertsen delves into the intricacies of the California Halibut fishery and the broader fishing industry. Reinertsen recounts the evolution of the fishery, emphasizing the role of technological advancements, shifts in management policies, and the looming concerns for the industry's sustainability. He speaks of his personal transition from halibut to crab fishing, a decision influenced by both preference and the potential for increased regulatory intervention. Throughout the interview, Reinertsen conveys his enduring passion for fishing and his intention to persist in the profession as long as circumstances permit. He also contrasts the fishing experiences in California with those in northern waters, noting the influence of lifestyle on the industry. The interviewers conclude by expressing appreciation for Reinertsen's insights. The content of the interview provides a valuable account of a fisherman's life, offering a glimpse into the personal ramifications of environmental and regulatory changes within the fishing industry.


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.