Richie Blink, born on August 31, 1986, in New Orleans, is a native of Louisiana with a deep-rooted connection to the state's wetlands and coastal ecosystems. He spent his childhood in Empire, Louisiana, a small fishing village located about 60 miles south of New Orleans. His father, a commercial fisherman, introduced him to the intricacies of the delta ecosystem through various fishing activities such as oystering, shrimping, and crab trapping. This early exposure to the wetlands fostered a profound understanding of the delta's systems and their importance to the local community. After Hurricane Katrina, Blink temporarily relocated to Baton Rouge, where he worked at the airport and began working on his pilot license. However, his ties to his home region remained strong, and he eventually returned to southern Louisiana. As an adult, Blink has dedicated his life to advocating for the protection and restoration of Louisiana's wetlands, using his intimate knowledge of the ecosystem to inform his work.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Richie Blink, conducted by Lauren Leonpacher on October 18, 2021, near the Delta Management Project at Port Saint Philip in Buras, Louisiana, provides a comprehensive insight into Blink's life, experiences, and hopes for a sustainable future for coastal Louisiana. The conversation begins with a brief personal history, including his upbringing in Empire, Louisiana, and his early experiences with the wetlands. Blink then discusses his adult life, including his temporary relocation to Baton Rouge following Hurricane Katrina and his subsequent return to southern Louisiana. The interview delves into Blink's relationship with the wetlands, highlighting his understanding of the ecosystem gained through his father's fishing activities. Blink also shares his vision for a sustainable future for Louisiana's coast, emphasizing the need for cultural acceptance of coastal restoration as a non-negotiable necessity. He expresses optimism for the future, citing examples of successful restoration projects that have transformed open-water areas into thriving wetlands. The interview concludes with Blink expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences and perspectives.