Ray Swaney, Jr.
Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town
For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina 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.
National Capital Contracting
On July 11, 2000, Matthew Barr interviewed Ray Swaney, Jr. for the Wild Caught oral history project in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Ray Swaney, Jr. is the son of a commercial fisherman and grew up observing the challenges faced by his father in the shrimping industry. This experience shaped his decision to pursue higher education rather than continue in commercial fishing. Swaney discusses his childhood aspirations of owning a shrimp boat, which changed due to increasing regulations in the fishing industry, financial strain, and concerns about the industry's future. Swaney reflects on the regulatory pressures faced by commercial fishermen, expressing frustration with what he perceives as attempts to drive the industry out of business. He emphasizes the lack of statistical support behind some regulations and recounts how his family's encouragement led him to pursue business management at Utah State University. He shares his experiences growing up in Sneads Ferry and the Florida Keys, highlighting how the community and the fishing lifestyle shaped his identity. Swaney is now the owner of a marine supply business that serves both commercial and recreational fishermen. He hopes to use the business to bridge the gap between these groups, counteracting media-fueled stereotypes about commercial fishing. He reflects on the changes in Sneads Ferry, noting the increasing development and shifting dynamics of the local economy. Swaney concludes by stressing the importance of educating the public about the realities of the commercial fishing industry and the need for fair representation in regulatory discussions.
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