Lindsey Parker
Boat Stories
Commercial fishing has deep cultural ties to the Georgia coast, particularly the shrimping industry, which is the state’s largest and most economically valuable fishery. Shrimping has played an integral role in shaping the identities of the commercial fishermen who have spent most of their lives on the water. At the heart of these identities are the fishing boats that have carried captains and their crew for decades.
These vessels have been bought and sold by fishermen up and down the coast for decades, connecting multiple generations of fishing families. They serve as the backbone of Georgia’s shrimping industry and have become iconic symbols for fresh and locally harvested seafood for the millions of residents and tourists who visit the coast.
In 2020-2021, Anthropologists at Georgia Southern University collaborated with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to record the stories and experiences of local shrimpers and their boats. Funded by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resource Division through a Coastal Improvement Grant (NOAA #NA20NOS4190175), student researchers learned about commercial fishing as they conducted these oral history interviews. These recordings powerfully preserve the voices and culture of commercial fishing to be shared with current and future generations. This database of knowledge is also available to guide science and regulatory decisions. Get to know Georgia's commercial fishermen by listening to their "Boat Stories"
Samantha Sheppard
Lindsey Parker is a long-standing member of the commercial fishing community in Georgia. He has a rich history as a commercial fisherman and has been involved in various projects at the UGA Marine Extension. Over the years, he has captained several boats, including the Georgia Bulldog, the Morning Star, and the Southern Comfort. His career spans over 36 years, during which he has formed numerous friendships within the fishing community. Parker is known for his candidness and willingness to share his experiences and insights into the fishing industry.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Lindsey Parker was conducted on November 12, 2021, in Brunswick, Georgia, as part of the research project and interview collection titled "Boat Stories." The interview was conducted by Samantha Sheppard and Megan Bull. The interview covers Parker's history as a commercial fisherman, including his experiences captaining various boats such as the Georgia Bulldog, the Morning Star, and the Southern Comfort. Parker provides detailed accounts of his time on these boats, including the rigging and outfitting of the Morning Star and the eventual dismantling of the Southern Comfort. He also discusses his relationships within the fishing community and his involvement in projects at the UGA Marine Extension. In the latter part of the interview, Parker shares his views on the diversity of people within different sectors, including fishing, banking, and government. He also comments on a trial that was ongoing at the time of the interview, expressing his hopes for a peaceful resolution. The interview concludes with Parker expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to share his experiences and insights.
Project Note
This project is supported under grant award #NA20NOS4190175 to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources from the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of DNR, OCM or NOAA.
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