Richard A. Whitman
Assessing Vulnerability and Resilience in Maine Fishing Communities
This project developed a participatory, place-based approach for assessing the vulnerability and resilience of Maine fishing communities, documenting threats and resources available to respond to those threats. To understand the forces driving vulnerability, Johnson and graduate students Cameron Thompson and Anna Henry worked with community stakeholders to identify opportunities and strategies for improving resilience of fishing communities. They produced a summary report, entitled, “In Their Own Words: Fishermen’s Perspectives of Community Resilience.”
Once upon a time, Maine fishermen and women harvested a diversity of species, from groundfish and herring to lobsters, clams, shrimp, and scallops, depending on market conditions and resource abundance. Today, Maine’s fishing culture is concentrated in 50 coastal communities and is overwhelmingly dependent on lobster, while regulations have restricted other fisheries. Since 1990, the number of vessels landing groundfish in Maine dropped from 350 to 70. At least 72 groundfish permits have been lost, and dramatic changes in management are imminent, leading Johnson to wonder, “How vulnerable are Maine’s fishing communities? What can be done to improve their resiliency to future change?”
These are the questions that federal fisheries managers must ask when assessing the impact of new rules, yet too often they don’t have the right data to answer the questions. This project developed a participatory, place-based approach for assessing the vulnerability and resilience of Maine fishing communities, documenting threats and resources available to respond to those threats. To understand the forces driving vulnerability, Johnson and graduate students Cameron Thompson and Anna Henry worked with community stakeholders to identify opportunities and strategies for improving resilience of fishing communities.
National Capital Contracting
Richard A. Whitman is a seasoned fisherman with deep roots in Rockland, Maine, where he has spent his entire life of 48 years. Born into a family with Italian and Sicilian heritage, Whitman's connection to the sea and fishing is a product of both his lineage and his environment. From a young age, he was drawn to the waters that have long provided sustenance and livelihood to the people of Rockland. Over the years, Whitman has gained extensive experience in various sectors of the fishing industry, mastering techniques for catching herring, salmon, scallop, lobster, and shrimp. His dedication and skill eventually led him to ascend to the position of a boat captain, a role that not only signifies his expertise but also his leadership within the maritime community. Whitman's life story is interwoven with the ebb and flow of the coastal town he calls home, reflecting a deep-seated tradition of fishing that has been passed down through generations.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Richard A. Whitman offers a comprehensive overview of his experiences and perspectives on the fishing industry in Rockland, Maine. Whitman reflects on the evolution of the scallop fishery, noting improvements in stock levels and market strength. He expresses a belief in an unrestricted fishing industry, advocating against limited entry. The conversation touches upon the decline in the number of fishermen and emphasizes the significance of Rockland's climate and coastal proximity. Whitman addresses the difficulties faced by the fishing community, including reduced access to the waterfront, the encroachment of recreational boats on lobstering areas, and the financial strains from rising costs. He highlights the dual role of tourism in the local economy and the challenges of a high cost of living. Concerns about the local school system and the necessity for youth participation in fishing are also mentioned. Furthermore, Whitman discusses the cyclical nature of lobster stocks and the critical role of the fishing industry in his income. The interview concludes with Whitman's insights into the broader challenges and opportunities within the fishing industry, such as the effects of quotas on shrimp fishing, the need for improved infrastructure, fair seafood pricing, and the importance of community engagement. He underscores the potential threats to the industry, including pollution and government regulation, and advocates for unity and awareness among fishermen to navigate industry issues effectively.
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