Kyle Pemberton

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
08-06-2018
Transcribers

Pioneer Transcription Services

Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Kyle Pemberton is a fisherman from Half Moon Bay, California, with a history of fishing that traces back to his early years spent with his father. Pemberton's career in fishing has seen him progress from an apprentice on the waters to the owner of his own fishing vessel. His professional activities span a range of fisheries, including those for Dungeness crab, California salmon, California halibut, and West Coast groundfish. Pemberton's expertise in trawling was honed through a process of trial and error, supplemented by insights and assistance from fellow local fishermen. His work ethic is evident in his routine, which involves starting his day before dawn and often working seven days a week, weather permitting, until late at night. Pemberton's commitment to the fishing industry is underscored by his determination to operate his boat throughout the year despite the various challenges he encounters, such as the loss and subsequent retrieval of fishing nets.

Scope and Content Note:
The interview with Kyle Pemberton provides a comprehensive overview of his experiences and perspectives as a professional fisherman engaged in the California Halibut fishery. Pemberton shares insights into the evolution of the fishing industry and his personal contributions toward fostering sustainable fishing practices. He reflects on the dual nature of fishing as a profession, discussing both the challenges faced and the satisfaction derived from his work. Pemberton also conveys his aspirations for the future of the fishing community, highlighting the significance of knowledge transfer and collaboration with fishery management for the continuation of sustainable harvesting methods. The conversation concludes with the interviewer expressing appreciation for Pemberton's time and extending well-wishes for his ongoing endeavors in halibut fishing. The interview encapsulates Pemberton's dedication to his craft, his role in various fisheries, the daily realities of his profession, and his proactive approach to overcoming obstacles in trawling.


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.