Dave Blodgett tells his fish story which takes place on Lake Champlain, Vermont.

Dave Casoni has been a lobsterman for 40 years. He discusses how the industry has changed and about his life as a lobsterman.

Dave Martins is a 35-year-old fisheries technician at SMAST (School for Marine Science and Technology) based in New Bedford. He was born on October 22, 1971, at Saint Annes Hospital in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Azorean/Portuguese parents who immigrated from the island of Saint Michael in the Azores, Portugal. Despite his family not being directly involved in fishing, it was a significant part of their life, both for recreation and home consumption.

David Marujo was born in New Bedford in 1968 and has lived in Acushnet since age 18.  He began working at Crystal Ice 31 years ago and has worked his way up to his current job as supervisor.  He describes the process of making different kinds of ice, how the technology has changed in the last 30 years, reflects on the changing waterfront and the trickle down effects on shore-side businesses as quotas restrict fishing days and demand for services, and the next generations are/are not coming into the business.  “The waterfront is nothing like it used to be,” he concludes.

Deb Shrader is a passionate advocate for fishermen and their families, dedicated to ensuring their rights and the sustainability of ocean resources. Despite having no family background in fishing, she married Ron Shrader, a fisherman and captain, which ignited her interest in the fishing industry and its challenges. She became a driving force behind Shore Support, an advocacy group she founded to bridge the gap between fishermen and regulatory processes.

Debra Kelsey of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Growing up, she attended Catholic school and had no interaction with the fishing industry. She initially worked as a commercial printer until she was laid off. She then enrolled as a full-time student at Salter School for 10 months, then began to work as a medical assistant, but didn’t like it. Shortly afterwards she was offered position as a navigator at Fishing Partnership Support Services where she works today.

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. In this interview, Mr. Fidalgo describes his life prior to coming to the U.S., including his experience as an independent fisherman/boat owner and the social, economic and cultural characteristics of his village. He relates what made him come to the U.S. and his experience in New Bedfford's fishing industry.

Diane Flynn is a female inshore shellfisher and clam shack owner from Bourne, Massachusetts. She was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, but grew up in Bourne. Flynn has been involved in the fishing industry for over twenty-seven years, having entered the industry through her partner. She and her partner operate small boats for inshore fishing in Bourne, Massachusetts. Flynn's work involves not only fishing but also culling and packing clams. Over the years, she has seen the industry evolve and has witnessed the challenges faced by young people trying to enter the industry.

Dick Grachek, born on November 11, 1944, in Queens, New York, is a seasoned commercial fisherman with a deep-rooted passion for the sea. Despite not coming from a fishing family, Grachek's love for the ocean was instilled in him by his grandfather, who owned a fish store in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and had a stand in the Fulton Fish Market. Growing up on the south shore of Long Island, Grachek was exposed to the cycles of fish and the intricacies of marine life from a young age.

Mr. Ficek has been a fisherman for ten years and talks about life at sea.