Mike Mitchell

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Description

These oral histories capture and share the history and stories of commercial California halibut trawl fishermen, providing a way for the public to connect with local fishermen and the source of their seafood. Interviews are conducted with with California halibut trawl fishermen in the San Francisco and Half Moon Bay ports, focusing on the fishermen’s fishing history, their family’s fishing history, and their plans for the future. This project will preserve pieces of the history of the California halibut trawl fishermen, as well as build and strengthen relationships between NOAA, the state, local fishermen, and the community.

Date of Interview
08-07-2018
Transcribers

Pioneer Transcription Services

Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Mike Mitchell, a fisherman based in San Francisco, embarked on his maritime career at a young age. With a passion for the sea, he acquired his own vessel to pursue a livelihood in the fishing industry. His catch spanned a diverse array of marine life, including salmon, herring, crabs, and halibut. Mitchell's involvement in the Alternative Gear Program showcased his commitment to sustainable fishing practices by reducing bycatch. Despite the program's termination due to external pressures, he continued his fishing endeavors beyond the three-mile limit and explored various regions along the California coastline. His knowledge of boat operation and fishing techniques was honed under the tutelage of seasoned fishermen, contributing to his professional development. Mitchell's career spanned over four decades, during which he witnessed significant transformations within the fishing landscape.

Scope and Content Note:
The interview with Mike Mitchell provides a comprehensive overview of his experiences and perspectives as a seasoned fisherman. Mitchell reflects on his early days, detailing the evolution of his fishing practices and the camaraderie among fellow fishermen. He offers insights into the challenges of the halibut fishery, including competition, market dynamics, and environmental changes. The interview delves into the political and economic factors that have shaped the industry, such as regulatory shifts and the impact of tariffs. Mitchell expresses concerns about the sustainability of the California Halibut fishery, emphasizing the importance of controlled fishing efforts and critiquing the reactive stance of the California Fish and Game Department in managing the fishery. He also touches upon the potential consequences of increased fishing activity due to the lack of alternative options and the closure of other fisheries. Despite his decision not to impart his fishing expertise, Mitchell intends to bequeath his boat and equipment, hoping for the preservation of the fishery's future. The interview captures the complexities of the fishing industry, the environmental factors affecting fish populations, and Mitchell's enduring passion for fishing.


Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out  Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc.  The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry. 

The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.

Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.