Mimi and Simon Stafford

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Description

"Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents" is a  collection by Karen DeMaria of Summerland Key, FL completed in April 1996. Funded by the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, the project sought to describe through oral history interviews, environmental changes in the Florida Keys marine ecosystem. 

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Audio
Biographical Sketch

Mimi and Simon Stafford are long-time residents of Key West, Florida, with deep ties to the local fishing community. Their lives have been intricately woven into the fabric of this coastal town, known for its vibrant culture and rich maritime history. The Staffords have witnessed the transformation of Key West from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling tourist destination. Throughout their lives, they have been actively involved in the fishing industry, which has been both their livelihood and passion. Their experiences span several decades, during which they have seen the ebb and flow of the industry's fortunes, shaped by environmental, economic, and regulatory changes. The couple's story is emblematic of the broader narrative of Key West's evolution, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of its people. Mimi and Simon's personal history is a testament to the enduring spirit of the community's fishing heritage, offering a window into the lives of those who have spent countless hours on the waters surrounding this iconic island.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Mimi and Simon Stafford provides an oral history of life in Key West, Florida, with a particular focus on the local fishing industry and its transformation over the years. The conversation, though largely inaudible, touches upon various aspects of fishing, the environment, and the socio-economic changes that have impacted the community. The Staffords discuss their personal experiences and observations, offering insights into the traditional practices of fishing, such as the use of traps and nets, and the art of catching fish. They also reflect on the cultural shifts within Key West, including the impact of tourism and the changing attitudes towards the environment and respect for the water. Despite the difficulty in discerning the full details of the conversation, it is clear that the Staffords are sharing their intimate knowledge of the challenges and triumphs faced by the fishing community. The interview serves as a valuable record of the lived experiences of those who have been intimately connected to Key West's fishing industry, providing a narrative that underscores the complex relationship between the people, their livelihoods, and the coastal ecosystem they depend on.


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.