Jess Hawkins is a seasoned Marine Biologist who has dedicated his career to the management and conservation of marine fisheries. Born and raised in Bath, North Carolina, Hawkins developed a love for the outdoors, fishing, and hunting from a young age. This passion led him to pursue a career in marine biology. Hawkins began his career as a Fisheries Biologist with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, initially working as a Field Biologist in Little Washington before transitioning to an administrative role in Morehead City.

Richard "Dick" Stone, a native of Virginia Beach, Virgina, has dedicated his life to environmental research and conservation. He completed his Bachelor's Degree at Virginia Military Institute. He pursued a Master's Degree at William and Mary, further honing his expertise. Dick joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Sandy Hook Lab, where he spent 8-1/2 years contributing to important research and conservation efforts.  In 1972, Dick embarked on a new phase of his career when he transferred to NOAA's Beaufort Lab.

On March 13, 2023, Joseph Smith interviewed William (Bill) Hettler for the NOAA Beaufort Lab Oral Histories project in Morehead City, North Carolina. Mr. Bill Hettler was born in Chicago and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He attended the University of Texas and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1960. After graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and spent the next few years stationed in the western Pacific. Upon leaving active Service, Bill enrolled in the Master’s Degree Program at the University of Texas and received his degree in 1964.