Commissioner Griffin Lotson reflects on his experience with the shrimp industry in Darien, Georgia. He discusses the role of fishing in the Gullah Geechee community in terms of making a living, ethnic identity, and culture.

Leon Skipper is a seasoned commercial fisherman from McIntosh County, Georgia, with over fifty years of experience in the shrimping industry. Born and raised in Bolin, Georgia, Skipper moved to Meridian later in life. His passion for shrimping was ignited during his childhood when he would accompany his father on fishing trips during weekends and school holidays. Skipper's career in shrimping has taken him from North Carolina to the Gulf Coast, Texas, Campeche Mexico, and back up to Tampa, Florida.

LC Scott is a seasoned fisherman from Georgia, with a wealth of experience and stories to share about his life and career in the fishing industry. He grew up in a community known as Briar Patches, located about 10 miles from Darien, Georgia. Scott's experience in the fishing industry is extensive, having worked in various roles on fishing boats. He learned the ropes from the ground up, starting with tasks such as checking the oil and clutch, filling the radiator with water, and removing the lines before the boat could set off.

Hughey Dean Bryant is a seasoned commercial fisherman who hails from the coast of North Carolina. His journey in the fishing industry began under the tutelage of his father, from whom he learned the intricacies of the trade. His expertise spans across various aspects of the industry, including shrimping, crabbing, scalloping, and flounder fishing. Over the years, Bryant has expanded his fishing operations to Florida and Georgia, where he continues to contribute significantly to the industry.

Interview with Morris Butler.

Joseph Michael Rauls is a seasoned veteran of the shrimping industry hailing from the coastal state of Georgia. Born into a family with deep ties to the sea, Rauls' upbringing was steeped in the traditions and hard work associated with shrimping. His life story is a rich tapestry that weaves together the threads of familial legacy, personal passion, and the relentless pursuit of a livelihood amidst the waves. Rauls' narrative is not just a personal chronicle but also a reflection of the broader cultural and economic fabric of the Georgian shrimping community.

Lester Perry is a seasoned commercial fisherman with deep roots in North Carolina's fishing community. Raised in a family with a long-standing tradition of fishing, Perry was introduced to the trade at a tender age, specifically to the practice of shrimping. His early exposure to the sea and its bounties shaped his career path, leading him to ascend the ranks within the industry. Perry's dedication and skill eventually earned him the position of a boat captain, a role he currently fulfills aboard the Blessed Assurance.

Charles Jones is a seasoned fisherman from Darien, Georgia, who has spent a significant part of his life in the commercial fishing industry. Born and raised in Darien, Jones began his fishing career at a young age, heading shrimp at the docks after school to earn money for his family's needs. Jones briefly left the fishing industry to serve in the Vietnam War, after which he returned to fishing with his father. He later bought his own boat and began running his own fishing operations. Jones also worked for the Georgia State Patrol for a period of time before buying his second boat.

Interview with Robert Lee Everson, Sr.

Wynn Gale is a lifelong resident of Darien, Georgia, and a fourth-generation fisherman. He began his career in commercial fishing at the age of twelve. Despite a brief attempt at a career in law enforcement, Gale returned to the fishing industry, following in the footsteps of his family who have only ever worked in fishing. Over the years, Gale has observed a significant decrease in the number of boats fishing in the area. He has also experienced the financial challenges of the industry, having had to sell his shrimp boat due to high dock rent and the lack of a crew.