Brunswick, GA

Interviewee Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Jerry "Bubba" Austin Boat Stories

Jerry "Bubba" Austin Jr. is a seasoned fisherman based in Brunswick, Georgia. With over forty years of experience in the fishing industry, Austin has owned and operated three fishing vessels since 1995, the most recent of which is named Captain Snapper. Austin's career has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, including the sinking of his first two boats and the impact of environmental changes on the local shrimp population. Despite these obstacles, Austin has remained committed to his craft, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for his work.

Amber Chulawat, Jamekia Collins Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Jim Dickey Boat Stories

Jim Dickey is a seasoned shrimper based in Brunswick, Georgia. Over the course of his career, he has worked on numerous fishing vessels, including the Captain Mama, Lady Susie Two, Lisabelle, Lady Belle, Captain Dickey, Erika and Derek, and Dickey Boys. His father owned twenty-five boats in his lifetime, and Dickey himself has owned several boats, including the Erika and Derek for sixteen years. He has a wealth of experience in the shrimping industry and has seen the evolution of the industry over the years.

Jennifer Sweeney Tookes Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
John Tyre Boat Stories

John Tyre is a local fisherman and firefighter based in Brunswick, Georgia. He has a rich history in the fishing industry, having worked on a variety of different vessels throughout his career. Tyre owns a 50-foot fiberglass boat named The Warrior, which operates three to four days a week with a crew of three, including two of his cousins. The Warrior primarily fishes for row shrimp and operates in and out of Brunswick, leaving in the early morning and returning to dock in the afternoon.

Samantha Sheppard, Megan Bull Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
John Tyre Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

John Tyre, a native of Brunswick, Georgia, has woven the fabric of his life with threads of maritime tradition and public service. Beginning his foray into the world of fishing at the age of ten, Tyre was introduced to the craft by his father and brother, who were his early mentors in the art of angling and shrimping. These formative years on the water ingrained in him a diverse array of fishing skills and techniques that he would carry throughout his life.

Julia Thomas, Victoria Barrett Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Johnny Bennett Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Johnny Bennett is a seasoned commercial fisherman hailing from Brunswick, Georgia, who has witnessed firsthand the downturn of the local fishing industry. With years of experience on the waters, Bennett has seen the effects of environmental changes and regulatory decisions on his livelihood. The closure of the sound, a critical event in the area's ecological and economic landscape, has been a significant factor in the decline of shrimp and crab populations, which are central to Bennett's trade.

Victoria Barrett, Julia Thomas Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Johnny Bennett Boat Stories

Johnny Bennett is a seasoned commercial fisherman from Georgia with a rich family history in the industry. His first experience on a boat was at the tender age of two weeks, marking the beginning of his lifelong involvement in fishing. Bennett's passion for the industry is evident in his preference for the solitude and independence it offers. However, he has witnessed significant changes over the years, many of which he attributes to environmental and regulatory shifts.

Kimberly Singley, Yhambria Simmons Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Jonathan Bennett Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Jonathan Bennett is a fifth-generation commercial fisherman from Brantley County in Waynesville, Georgia. Born into a family deeply involved in the shrimping industry, Bennett has been on a boat since he was three years old. His grandfather, who owned his own boats, introduced him to the fishing life, which he describes as a rough and labor-intensive one. Despite the challenges, Bennett took over his own boat at the age of twenty, a decision driven by opportunity and the need to support his family financially.

Victoria Barrett, Julia Thomas Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Jonathan Bennett Boat Stories

Jonathan Bennett is a commercial fisherman based in Brunswick, Georgia. Born into a family deeply involved in the fishing industry, Bennett has been engaged in commercial fishing since birth. His grandfather owned boats and his uncles ran bait businesses, providing him with a rich background in the industry from a young age. After graduating, Bennett began running boats and has since dedicated his life to the profession. He has worked on several vessels, with his most recent being The Flying Cloud, an 85 by 24-foot boat with a twin Caterpillar unit.

Kimberly Singley, Yhambria Simmons Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Cooperative Extension
Joseph Rauls Boat Stories

Joseph Rauls is a seasoned fisherman from Brunswick, Georgia, who has been involved in the shrimping industry for several decades. His journey into the world of fishing began in 1969 when his father bought a shrimp boat. Rauls was drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, who always found ways to make a living, including shrimping. Over the years, Rauls has witnessed significant changes in the fishing industry, particularly in the design and operation of fishing vessels.

Yhambria Simmons, Kimberly Singley Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Kathi Harrington and Richard Puterbaugh Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Kathi Harrington is a resident of Brunswick, Georgia. She is married to Richard Puterbaugh, a seasoned shrimper. Kathi is a supportive partner and a mother, often sharing her experiences and perspectives on the impacts of the shrimping industry on their family life. She provides valuable insights into the social and emotional aspects of the fishing community, including the challenges faced by their daughter, Savannah, due to the misconceptions about the shrimping industry.

Kendra Cooper, Alexis McGhee Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University