Richard and Ray Canastra
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals from other ports around the country. Folklorist and Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar/Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are Project Leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.
Janice Fleuriel
Erin Heacock
Richard and Raymond Canastra are American brothers who co-founded the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction in New Bedford, Massachusetts. They are known for their involvement in the commercial fishing industry, particularly in the scallop trade. The Canastra brothers were born and raised in New Bedford, a city with a rich history in the fishing industry. In 1994, they established the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction, which quickly became one of the largest seafood auctions on the East Coast of the United States. The Canastra brothers played a significant role in the development and growth of the scallop industry in New Bedford. They introduced new technologies and practices that improved the efficiency of scallop fishing and processing. Their efforts helped to establish New Bedford as the nation's leading port for scallop landings. In addition to their involvement in the seafood auction and scallop industry, the Canastra brothers have been vocal advocates for the fishing community. They have worked to promote sustainable fishing practices and have been involved in efforts to protect the interests of local fishermen.
Scope and Content Note
This interview index covers a conversation with Richard and Raymond Canastra, conducted on September 26, 2004. The interview provides insights into the Canastra brothers' background, their involvement in the fishing industry, and the establishment of the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Various topics include their upbringing, education, early business ventures, the development of their auction, challenges faced, expansion plans, and the impact of the seafood industry on the local economy. The Canastra brothers recount their experiences in the fishing industry, the growth of their auction, and the transition to an electronic system. They share anecdotes about the initial struggles of the auction and its eventual success, as well as incidents of threats and sabotage. The interview touches on the Canastra brothers' family fishing background and their observations about the fishing community's perception in the press. Additionally, the interviewees discuss the relationship between fishermen and environmentalists, the impact of environmental issues on the industry, and the need for unity among fishermen. The interview also touches upon the Canastras' views on government regulations, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the challenges faced by fishermen in navigating legal matters.
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.