Bill Gaffga, a native of the area, comes from a lineage of fishermen. Born into the fishing business, he spent nine years in the service before working for General Motors in Lockport for about six years. However, he found the prospect of spending twenty years in a job he didn't enjoy unbearable, leading him to return to his roots in fishing. Gaffga began working on the bay in 1975 and continues to do so, despite the challenges brought about by the brown water in 1985. His fishing activities are diverse, adapting to the season and the catch available.

Jack Kelly is a lifelong resident of Southold, Long Island, and has witnessed significant changes in the local environment and fishing industry over the years. Born in the late 1940s, he grew up near Gardiners' Island, where he recalls a fort on the North side and the erosion that caused the road to wash away.