Nancy Edens

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town

Description

For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Video
Abstract

Matthew Barr interviewed Nancy Edens for the Wild Caught project. Nancy Edens is a member of the Millis family, a long-standing family in Sneads Ferry with deep roots in the local fishing industry. The interview covers several key topics, including the historical and current state of the shrimping industry in Sneads Ferry. Edens reflects on the community's evolution, noting the increase in population and the rise in property values, which have made it difficult for long-time residents to afford waterfront properties. She discusses the impact of shrimp imports on the local market, emphasizing the challenges posed by imported shrimp sold at lower prices than domestically caught shrimp. Edens highlights the efforts of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, an organization formed in 2003 to address these issues by combating the dumping of imported shrimp below production costs and advocating for more stringent testing of imported seafood for antibiotics and chemicals. Edens also shares her involvement with the Southern Shrimp Alliance, where she serves as a state representative for North Carolina. She recounts the organization's legal actions against several countries found guilty of dumping shrimp in the U.S. market and discusses the imposition of tariffs to protect the domestic shrimp industry. Additionally, Edens talks about the marketing initiatives undertaken by the Alliance to promote wild-caught shrimp, including endorsements by well-known chefs and the creation of branded products.


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