A.M. Smith was a prominent figure in the fish business in Portland, Maine, during the late 19th century. His career in the industry spanned at least fifteen years, during which he gained significant insights into the mackerel fishery and the legislation surrounding it. Smith was not personally engaged in the fisheries but was a dealer, which gave him a unique perspective on the industry's economics and the effects of legislation on the market. Smith was known for his innovative thinking and was the first to propose a five-year close season for mackerel fishing.

This interview with Captain Ahmon Mallock of Portland, ME took place on November 23, 1893. Members of the Joint Fisheries Commission conducted the interview in an effort to gain information on the mackerel fishery.

On June 18, 2024, Camden Hunt interviewed Eden Divney in Portland, Maine. Eden Divney is the land manager at Bangs Island Mussels and has worked in the aquaculture industry for over three years. Born in 1998 and raised in southern Maine, Divney’s background includes a mix of family ties to recreational fishing and shipbuilding. Although they did not complete a college degree, Divney studied various subjects, including medical assisting and criminal justice, and worked in food service before joining Bangs Island Mussels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interview with fisherman James Ellsworth of Portland, Maine by Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains information on the mackerel fishery.

On March 27, 2024, Camden Hunt and Jessica Bonilla interviewed Libby Davis in Portland, Maine. Libby Davis is the founder and operator of Lady Shuckers, a mobile raw bar and catering business that sources from women-owned aquaculture farms in Maine. Born and raised in Scarborough, Davis holds a degree in biology and served in the Peace Corps in Madagascar before returning to Maine and entering the aquaculture industry through the Maine Oyster Company.

Commander Pamela Chelgren-Koterba, born in 1950 in Annapolis, Maryland, grew up in various places across the United States. She was the third of seven children in the family of Captain John Chelgren, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer, and Ruth Henderson, a talented singer. Growing up, Pam played the piano and flute.  She studied bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and graduated in 1972. During her time at Berkeley, she worked at the Space Sciences Laboratory, contributing to the OGO 5 satellite data verification. In 1972, Pamela joined the NOAA Corps.

Interview with W.S. Jordan & Co. of Portland, Maine, by Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

Biographical Note:
William “Bill” Needelman is the Waterfront Coordinator for the City of Portland, Maine. He was born in Portland, Maine on April 3, 1964.