Roger Salisbury

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Description

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.

Date of Interview
08-06-2018
Transcribers

Pioneer Transcription Services

Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Roger Salisbury is a seasoned commercial fisherman with nearly five decades of experience in the waters of Half Moon Bay, California. His journey into the fishing industry began post-graduation with a degree in mechanical engineering when he faced challenges securing employment in his field. This led him to purchase a small skiff and, subsequently, a commercial fishing license in 1971. Over the years, Salisbury has dedicated over 40 years to fishing for California Halibut, evolving his methods from gillnets to trammel nets and trawling. He spends approximately 70 days annually trawling for Halibut and also engages in crab fishing. While he typically operates solo, he occasionally employs a deckhand to assist with operations. Salisbury's career reflects a deep understanding of the marine environment and the adaptability required to sustain a livelihood from the sea.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Roger Salisbury provides a comprehensive overview of his extensive experience and evolving practices in the commercial fishing industry. Salisbury details the transition in fishing tactics he has employed over the years, moving from gillnets to dragging and making modifications to his trawl net gear. He offers insights into the changes he has observed in the marine environment, including the potential effects of sewage on fish populations and the influence of temperature on his catch rates. Salisbury also addresses the fluctuations in fish populations and the necessity for flexibility in fishing strategies. Furthermore, Salisbury discusses the operational aspects of his fishing techniques, the impact of weather conditions, and the market demand for halibut. He shares his perspective on the future of the fishery, the importance of knowledge transfer to the next generation, and the challenges posed by jellyfish and sea lions, which damage his nets and affect his catch. The interview also touches on the issue of bycatch and the competition he faces from foreign fisheries. Salisbury contrasts Pacific and California halibut and extends his best wishes to future halibut trawlers. His narrative encapsulates the life of a commercial fisherman and the complexities of the profession.


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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.