Michael Vernon
Boat Stories
Commercial fishing has deep cultural ties to the Georgia coast, particularly the shrimping industry, which is the state’s largest and most economically valuable fishery. Shrimping has played an integral role in shaping the identities of the commercial fishermen who have spent most of their lives on the water. At the heart of these identities are the fishing boats that have carried captains and their crew for decades.
These vessels have been bought and sold by fishermen up and down the coast for decades, connecting multiple generations of fishing families. They serve as the backbone of Georgia’s shrimping industry and have become iconic symbols for fresh and locally harvested seafood for the millions of residents and tourists who visit the coast.
In 2020-2021, Anthropologists at Georgia Southern University collaborated with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to record the stories and experiences of local shrimpers and their boats. Funded by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resource Division through a Coastal Improvement Grant (NOAA #NA20NOS4190175), student researchers learned about commercial fishing as they conducted these oral history interviews. These recordings powerfully preserve the voices and culture of commercial fishing to be shared with current and future generations. This database of knowledge is also available to guide science and regulatory decisions. Get to know Georgia's commercial fishermen by listening to their "Boat Stories"
Jamekia Collins
Michael Vernon is a seasoned fisherman based in Eulonia, Georgia. He has extensive experience working on various fishing vessels, having served on approximately ten to twelve boats throughout his career. Currently, he is the captain and partner on the Miss Doris, a position he has held for the past three years. Prior to this, he worked on the Golden Phase, one of the oldest boats in the county, for the longest duration. His experience spans from North Carolina to Key West, with stints on boats such as the Lady Denise, Megan Elaine, Daddy's Girl, and War Horse. Vernon is a respected figure in his community, having won the Blessing of the Fleet with the Miss Doris and served as a grand marshal.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Michael Vernon, conducted by Dr. Jennifer Sweeney Tookes on January 29, 2022, is part of the research project titled "Boat Stories." The interview took place in Vernon's home in Eulonia, Georgia, and lasted for approximately forty-three minutes. The conversation provides a detailed account of Vernon's experiences working on various fishing vessels, including the Miss Doris, Golden Phase, and Lady Denise, among others. Vernon shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of his profession, including rough weather experiences and the camaraderie among fishermen. He also discusses the future of the commercial fishing industry. The interview concludes with Vernon expressing his desire to leave a lasting legacy in his field. The audio recording of this interview will be uploaded to the Voices from the Fisheries website.
Project Note
This project is supported under grant award #NA20NOS4190175 to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources from the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of DNR, OCM or NOAA.
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