Fort Myers Beach, FL

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Eddie Barnhill A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Eddie Barnhill is a third-generation fisherman and the owner of Barnhill Fisheries. He has a deep passion for fishing and is committed to preserving historical knowledge and protecting the fishing industry's future. Eddie is concerned about the challenges posed by factors like overfishing, water quality issues, and climate change, and advocates for proper management and conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable future for the fishing community and marine ecosystems.

Scope and Content Note

Suzana Blake Fort Myers Beach, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Lou Bagget A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Lou Baggett is a 5th generation Floridian fisherman. He was once a commercial fisherman, and now mostly employs charter services.

Scope and Content Note

In this interview, Baggett enlightens us on the rapid, environmental changes occurring in southwest Florida.  The most intense Red Tide he has experienced was in 2013, which he attributes to a phosphate dumping event. 

Suzana Blake Fort Myers Beach, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Nick Ruland A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Nick Ruland is a fish house owner who has been in Fort Myers Beach for 30 years. He thinks we should involve fishers in water testing and wants an emergency reduction of the grouper quota.

Scope and Content Note:

Amanda Stoltz Fort Myers Beach, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Sean McQuade A History of Red Tide events on the West Coast of Florida

Sean McQuade is a seasoned charter boat captain and commercial fisherman with over 26 years of experience, who moved from Long Island to Florida in 1993. Sean divides his time between charter fishing, commercial fishing, and working as a firefighter. He has been actively engaged in fishing and diving and has witnessed changes in fish populations, water quality, and the occurrence of red tide events in the Fort Myers area.

Scope and Content Note

Suzana Blake Fort Myers Beach, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center