Russell Kingman grew up in Denis, a few towns over from Chatham, MA where he is now a weir fisherman and fisheries advocate. He has also done work as a clammer and a coast guard safety trainer, specializing in training fishermen in survival at sea. He is involved in local bands Poi Dog Pondering and SeaFire Kids, which focuses on fisheries music.

Scope and Content Note

Russell Kingman discusses how he got started in weir fishing and the changes in the species he has been seeing in his nets due to climate change. He recounts boating experiences, including encountering hurricanes, and expresses his lifelong love for the water. He also talks about his work with NAMA, a fisherman-led organization working to protect small-scale, owner operator fisheries against privatization and commoditization. When asked about his association with fisheries and the ocean, Russell explains that he got involved through his wife, Shannon, whose family owned a weir fishing business. He fell in love with weir fishing, a type of ancient fishery, and started accompanying Shannon's father on fishing trips. Russell explains the weir fishing process, emphasizing that they catch whatever species pass through Nantucket Sound. He mentions various species they typically catch, such as squid, mackerel, sea bass, pogies, and butterfish. He discusses the impact of temperature changes on the fish and how it affects their seasonal migration patterns, making fishing less predictable than in the past.