Nicola Ingargiola
Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?
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.
Pioneer Transcription Services
Nicola Ingargiola, born into a lineage of fishermen, embarked on his maritime journey at the tender age of twelve in Sicily. His pursuit of the fishing vocation led him to relocate to San Francisco in 1972, where he continued to engage in the trade. Over the years, Ingargiola ascended to the role of owner and captain of the fishing vessel Anna Marie, specializing in the capture of California Halibut. His tenure in the industry has allowed him to witness a myriad of transformations, including the escalation of competition and the imposition of stringent regulations. As he approaches the twilight of his career, Ingargiola contemplates retirement and the possibility of emigrating due to economic pressures, reflecting on the diminished support for the fishing community and the daunting prospects for the next generation of fishermen.
Scope and Content Note:
The oral history interview with Nicola Ingargiola provides an in-depth perspective on the evolution of the fishing industry from the viewpoint of a seasoned fisherman. Ingargiola delineates the financial burdens associated with the profession, such as the exorbitant cost of equipment and the arduous task of achieving profitability. He voices his apprehensions regarding the sustainability of the industry and the dearth of encouragement for aspiring fishermen. The interview encompasses a discussion on the informal code of conduct among fishermen, particularly the mutual understanding to steer clear of crab pots during the winter season. Ingargiola also comments on the decline in fishing activity, attributing it to rising expenses and fluctuations in fish populations. Furthermore, he addresses the influence of technological advancements on traditional fishing methodologies. The conversation touches upon the characteristics of California Halibut, including their size and the depths at which they are found, and the general challenges posed by ocean fishing. Through his narrative, Ingargiola paints a vivid picture of the current state of the fishing industry and its impact on those who have dedicated their lives to the sea.
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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.