Antonio Perreira also known as "Tony the Plumber," has worked as a full-time pipe fitter on the waterfront since 1976. He was born in Portugal on May 22, 1942, where  he learned is trade through a traditional apprenticeship after working as a pinner in a textile mill and as a construction worker and laborer. He immigrated to the United States in 1956, settling in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He became a skilled plumber, specializing in marine plumbing for fishing vessels.

This is one of a set of 15 oral histories with Portuguese immigrant fishermen who worked out of the port of New Bedford. The project was sponsored by a NOAA Preserve America grant. Maria Santos tells the story of her husband António Santos while he lies nearby, unable to tell his own story due to Alzheimer's disease. At times, their sons Mario and Joe Santos add details. António was born in 1929 in the fishing village of Gala, near the city of Figueira da Foz.

Ms. Baker tells a story about a trip she took as an observer for NOAA.

Armando Estudante is a male fisherman and entrepreneur of Portuguese descent. Born in Portugal, he immigrated to the United States in 1978 at the age of 50s, initially visiting his parents in Philadelphia. However, during a trip to New Bedford to explore the whaling museum, he discovered the city's vibrant fishing community and decided to settle there permanently. Armando had prior experience in the fishing industry in Portugal, having worked on merchant vessels and factory trawlers. In Portugal, he was in charge of a fleet of boats for a fishing company.

Woody Bowers is a former fisherman and captain who fished for 17 years and then went on occasional fishing trips. Woody Bowers used to fish for codfish, haddock, flounders, and yellow tails, among other species, and the boat he worked on could carry up to two hundred thousand pounds of fish. The boat mostly fished on Georges Bank, where Bowers looked for the species of fish he wanted based on his past experience.

Barbara McCarthy is a retired boat owner and fisherman's wife deeply rooted in the fishing industry. Barbara  grew up in a family with a strong fishing background.  As a mother of seven, she balances family responsibilities with active involvement in the Fishermen’s Wives association, the Blessing of the Fleet Fair, and various market ministries.

Barbara Merry, also known as the "Marlinspike Artist," is a skilled rigger and knot enthusiast from Snug Harbor, Rhode Island. She was born in Spokane, Washington, and raised in Newport Beach, California, where her father owned a wholesale/retail marine company. Growing up on a wood cruising boat, Barbara developed a love for ropework and knotting. She initially started with macramé for extra income but eventually switched to ropework after the decline of macramé.

Bernice Calnan, a resilient and dedicated woman, has spent her life closely intertwined with the fishing community of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born and raised in a fishing family, Bernice has carried on the traditions and values of the maritime lifestyle through her roles as a fisherman's daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her connection to the ocean and the fishing industry runs deep, shaping her experiences and outlook. As the daughter of a boat cook on the dragger F/V Adventurer, Bernice grew up in the heart of the fishing world.

Betsy Pye, a New Bedford native, has been a steadfast presence in the ocean-oriented community of New Bedford. Born and raised in the heart of the coastal city, she has a deep connection to the maritime heritage. Her husband’s ancestors were also from the area.  She is an active advocate for the fishing industry.

Bill Adler, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association, began lobstering in 1963 and has remained involved in the industry since. He started by gathering sea moss off the coast of Marshfield and transitioned to lobstering. Adler holds a master's degree in English and taught school while continuing to lobster. He has been involved in the politics of the lobstering industry and holds positions in various commissions and organizations, including the Lobster Institute.