Mark Phillips
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals from other ports around the country. Folklorist and Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar/Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are Project Leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.
Laura Orleans
Mark Phillips is a seasoned fisherman and boat owner based in Greenport, New York. Born on December 7, 1956, Phillips has been involved in the fishing industry since he was eight years old. His family has a long history of involvement with the sea, with his great grandfather being a coastal trader. However, Phillips is the only member of his family to become a full-time fisherman. He owns and operates an 83-foot dragger named F/V ILLUSION, fishing out of Greenport, Long Island, New York, and New Bedford, Massachusetts. Phillips has been fishing for over 35 years and has a wealth of experience and knowledge about the industry, including the impact of regulations, changes in technology, and the tension between environmentalists and the fishing industry.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Mark Phillips, conducted by Madeleine Hall-Arber at the Working Waterfront Festival on September 26, 2010, provides an in-depth look into the life and experiences of a seasoned fisherman. Phillips discusses his background, his start in the fishing industry, and his current operation, including the species he fishes for, his crew, and the challenges they face, such as storms and regulations. Phillips provides insight into the impact of the catch share/sector system on the fishing industry and discusses the changes in technology, particularly in gear and communications, that have affected his work. He also talks about his involvement in political advocacy for the fishing industry and the tension between environmentalists and the industry. The interview also covers Phillips' views on the interpretation of the Magnuson Act, the challenges of countering environmental messages, and his work with politicians. He discusses the Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (NEMAP) survey and his interactions with Jimmy Ruhle. He also shares his concerns about the gentrification of waterfronts and the impact of regulations on the stability of the fishing market. Phillips also shares personal aspects of his life, including his family and the impact of his career on his son. He discusses the culture of fishing, the share system on his boat, and the differences between owner/operators and fleet owners. He also talks about the challenges of finding new, young people to join the industry.
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