Marty Olsen is a retired fisherman. He was born in New Jersey and later moved to Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Marty joined the Army and started fishing in 1961, primarily out of New Bedford and briefly in Boston. Olsen's children did not follow in his footsteps, with his son becoming an electrician and his daughters marrying shore people.

Scope and Content Note
Marty talks about his background and getting into the fishing industry in Massachusetts.  He talks about his father's family background and his father's career transition from yachting to fishing. Marty mentions that fishing in Boston had no union, so there were no benefits or organized schedules. Olsen speaks about the importance of the union in New Bedford, which organized vessels and landings and provided pensions and welfare benefits. However, the union disbanded, and he mentions that the fishing industry faced too many rules and regulations imposed by the government. He expressed the opinion that people should be allowed to manage their own practices instead of involving environmentalists. He also notes changes in fishing conditions and equipment over the years, with better conditions and improved boats.  Marty shares superstitions that were prevalent among fishermen, such as avoiding fishing on certain days or engaging in specific activities. Olsen recounts his fishing experiences, including fishing beyond the Hague Line, close calls with accidents, and bad weather situations. He talks about the diversity of fishermen he encountered, including Norwegians, Latvians, Spaniards, Portuguese, Irish, English, Icelanders, and others. Olsen emphasizes the importance of having a good cook on board and the enjoyment of good boat cuisine. He mentions attending pension meetings with other retired fishermen to share stories about the old days. Regarding the future of the fishery, Olsen expresses concerns about government intervention and the negative impact of regulations. He believes that fishermen should be given more autonomy and that the industry has historically experienced fluctuations in fish populations. Marty reflects on the negative portrayal of fishermen in the media and the lower social status sometimes associated with the profession. Marty believes that New Bedford, like any other place, will always bounce back because it has a strong history and resilience. However, he emphasizes the need to avoid greed and unnecessary pressure from the government and boat owners. Marty mentions the challenging times in the fishing industry when prices were low, and he shares a story about selling codfish at a higher price in Boston after a disappointing auction in New Bedford. Marty discusses the role of festivals and events like the one they are participating in, emphasizing their positive impact on communities and their ability to bring people together. The interview concludes with a discussion about the pride and knowledge that fishermen possess, contrary to the negative stereotypes associated with their occupation. Marty recognizes that fishermen are often looked down upon but believes that they are proud individuals who have a deep understanding of the world due to their experiences.