Scott Norris
Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town
For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.
National Capital Contracting
Matthew Barr interviewed Scott Norris for the Wild Caught Oral History Project. Scott Norris, a 29-year-old commercial fisherman, grew up in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, immersed in the fishing industry through his family and community. The interview begins with Norris recounting his childhood in Sneads Ferry, where his uncles and friends introduced him to fishing and shrimping. Starting at the age of fourteen, he worked to help his parents by earning money for school clothes, eventually making fishing his full-time profession about ten years ago. Norris emphasizes the sense of community and the strong bonds formed through shared experiences on the water. Norris discusses the risks and challenges of being a commercial fisherman, noting that the profession is more dangerous than many others due to the constant threat of accidents and unpredictable conditions at sea. He highlights the public's misconceptions about the ease of a fisherman's life, pointing out the physical toll and economic uncertainties involved. Norris explains that imported seafood often causes health issues that are unfairly blamed on local fishermen, further complicating their livelihoods. Despite these challenges, Norris values the freedom and independence that fishing provides. He describes the unique sense of peace and satisfaction that comes from being on the water, away from the pressures of a conventional job. The interview touches on the generational aspect of fishing in Sneads Ferry, with Norris noting that many in the community have followed in their parents and grandparents' footsteps. However, he expresses a desire for his own children to pursue different careers due to the physical demands and economic instability of fishing. Norris shares the impact of these challenges on his health, including major back surgery at the age of twenty-five, which he attributes to the strenuous nature of the work. Norris also reflects on the tight-knit nature of the Sneads Ferry community, particularly during times of crisis. He recalls the overwhelming support from neighbors and local authorities following the tragic loss of his brother, Hotdog, and his friend, Joey Green, in a fishing accident. Throughout the interview, Norris highlights the difficulties posed by increasing regulations and the pressure from larger commercial operations. He draws parallels between the struggles of small-scale fishermen and small farmers, emphasizing the need for better support and understanding from the government and the public.
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