Lenny Russo, 27 years old at the time of his interview, describes working as the relief captain of a fleet boat in Portland, ME, after growing up working on a family fishing boat in Gloucester MA. Lenny is also the owner-operator of a seasonal salmon gillnet vessel in Bristol Bay, AK. 

Scope and Content Note

Lucas Raymond, 28 years old at the time of the interview, is a deckhand and relief captain on the F/V Witchcraft in Rye, NH.

Scope and Content Note

Kelsey Aiken, 29 years old at the time of the interview, is a fisherman and co-manager (along with his brother) of a fish packing house in Hatteras, NC founded by his father. The company focuses mainly on gillnet fishing for flounder and sells a range of seafood caught in the Pamlico Sound and the ocean to a variety of markets, including New York's Fulton Fish Market, Boston, Canada, California, and local outlets.

Scope and Content Note

Jared Bennett, 29 years old at the time of the interview, is owner-operator of the F/V White Cap, a gillnet vessel, with his younger brother and a friend, going on 36-hour fishing trips targeting monkfish, skates, and dogfish out of Chatham and Harwichport, MA. Jared bought his gillnet license and started fishing without any prior experience as a deckhand. 

Mike Blanton, 33 years old at the time of the interview, is a blue crab and gillnet fisherman in Elizabeth City, NC. Mike operates multiple vessels for different fisheries in the Albemarle Sound area. He started fishing as a teenager after taking a summer job at a crab house. After a decade in the military and government contracting, he returned to the coast to fish full-time.

Peyton Mason, 23 years old at the time of his interivew, is an oyster and crab fisherman in Deep Creek, VA. Peyton didn't grow up fishing, but fell in love with it in 8th grade after watching other fishermen come in with their catch. It was not long before he obtained a waterman license, began harvesting oysters and crabs, and eventually built his way up to owning the F/V Emilie Virginia, a Chesapeake deadrise. But his ambitions don't stop there; Peyton has done stints on shrimping and scalloping boats to get exposure to fisheries in other areas, too.

Scott Wivell, age 29 at the time of his interview, is a waterman in Cape Charles, VA. Scott grew up fishing with his father and is now the owner-operator of the F/V Lady Lynnae, which he uses for gillnettting, crabbing and oystering. Scott markets some of his own catch and thinks about having a retail market someday.

Scope and Content Note

Parker Poole, 31 years old at the time of the interview, runs a marine salvage and towing business and fishes commercially on the side in Portland, ME. Despite lobstering in high school, he did not log enough hours to meet the qualification criteria to receive a Maine lobster license, so he made the decision not to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time fisherman.

Patrick Fehily, 29 years old at the time of the interview, owns and manages several lobster, gillnet, and scallop boats in Point Pleasant, NJ. Pat did not grow up in a fishing family, but after working as a lobsterboat deckhand in high school and failing to light his spark at college, he decided that fishing was the life for him.

Nicole Saunders, 20 years old at the time of the interview, oysters and charter fishes with her father in Weems, VA. With the exception of a semester of college, which didn't captivate her attention, Nicole has spent her entire life around the water. Nicole's family has a long history in the waterman profession, with her dad and his grandfather being watermen.

Scope and Content Note

Matthew Peabody, 30 years old at the time of the interview, is a scallop boat captain out of Newport News, VA. He's the fourth generation in his family to work on the water. Matthew's family sold their fleet of scallop boats to Blue Harvest, a company that has expanded into a larger fleet. He now operates two scallop boats for that company, the Blue Canyon and the Blue Cove.

Scope and Content Note

Dan Whittle was born on October 10, 1962, in Glasgow, Kentucky. He grew up in a small farming town in western Kentucky named Ridgefield. After his parents divorced when he was in third grade, he moved to New England, New Hampshire, where he spent the school year in Manchester and the summers on their farm in Kentucky. Whittle attended Manchester public schools and later decided to go back South for college. He attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

B.J. Copeland, born on November 20th, 1936, in a country home near Mannsville, has had a significant impact on the fisheries of North Carolina. He has an extensive educational background and has served in the Zoology Department at North Carolina State University. Copeland was initially appointed to the Marine Fisheries Commission in the 1980s under Governor James G. "Jim" Martin's "Egghead Commissions." Throughout his career, he has been involved in numerous public hearings and has worked to foster communication and interaction between different stakeholders in the fisheries sector.

Jess Hawkins is a seasoned Marine Biologist who has dedicated his career to the management and conservation of marine fisheries. Born and raised in Bath, North Carolina, Hawkins developed a love for the outdoors, fishing, and hunting from a young age. This passion led him to pursue a career in marine biology. Hawkins began his career as a Fisheries Biologist with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, initially working as a Field Biologist in Little Washington before transitioning to an administrative role in Morehead City.

Frank Tursi is a Brooklyn, New York native who grew up with a deep appreciation for the coastal environment. His early experiences fishing and exploring the local geography of Brooklyn sparked his interest in coastal issues and the environment. Tursi's family moved to North Carolina due to shifts in the garment industry. He pursued Geology studies at East Carolina University and was involved with The Fountainhead newspaper during his tenure there.

Jerry Schill was born and raised in a small agricultural community in Pennsylvania, where his father served as the town's Postmaster. The family also owned a farm, and Schill learned to milk cows by hand from a young age. After high school, he joined the Air Force, during which time he got married. He has been married for nearly 48 years, has four children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Schill moved to North Carolina and became involved in the state's fisheries.

Mac Currin, born in 1950 in Henderson, North Carolina, has had a diverse professional background, primarily centered around marine biology and fisheries. After completing his undergraduate studies, he began his career as a school teacher before transitioning to a research role at N.C. State University, where he worked with Dr. John Miller for approximately 16-17 years. During this time, he also earned his Master's degree. Currin's work focused primarily on research related to small marine fish.

Beverly Perdue is a prominent figure in North Carolina politics, having served as the state's Governor. She has been actively involved in various legislative initiatives, particularly those related to fisheries and environmental issues. Perdue's political career began with her interest in the Democratic Party and her first experiences with politicians in Raleigh. Throughout her career, she has been involved in numerous coastal-related legislations, including the Fisheries Reform Act, which she describes as 'consensus legislation'.

Melvin Shepard is a long-time resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, with deep roots in the community. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Shepard's family has a rich history in Holly Ridge, where his grandfather served as the Atlantic Coastline Railroad Station Master and his grandmother was the Post Mistress. Shepard and his wife, Tilly, have been married since 1955 and have been involved in the commercial fishing industry for many years. Shepard is a unique individual who has managed to balance his interests in commercial fishing and environmental conservation.

Pam Davis Morris was born in Newport News, Virginia in 1962. Her father was an engineer and her mother was a medical technician. The family moved to Beaufort, North Carolina when she was five years old, and later, Smyrna, North Carolina. Morris began her career in the seafood industry at a young age, working at a fish house and heading shrimp when she was just fifteen. She attended college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she earned degrees in Art and Art Education.

Sandy Semans Ross is a retired newspaper editor and freelance writer who has a deep connection with the coastal communities and seafood industry. Born in a coal mining town in West Virginia, Ross moved to coastal communities due to her father's Navy service, where she developed a love for seafood. Ross's professional career includes working as a newspaper editor and doing freelance work for various publications. She is also the Executive Director of Outer Banks Catch, an organization dedicated to promoting locally caught seafood and supporting the local fishing industry.

Willy Phillips is a seasoned professional in the commercial fishing industry, with a particular focus on crabbing. He has spent a significant portion of his life in fish houses and has been deeply involved in fisheries legislation. Phillips has been an advocate for the crab fishery and has worked towards the development of a crab management plan. He has also been a vocal critic of the commercial fishing industry, proposing a complete shutdown and rebuild of the industry in North Carolina.

Richard "Dick" Brame was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, but grew up in eastern North Carolina. He has a long history of working for not-for-profit organizations, including the Izaak Walton League, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation, and the Coastal Conservation Association (C.C.A.). Brame joined the C.C.A. in 1989 and served as its first Executive Director until 1999. He then transitioned to the role of Fisheries Director, representing the C.C.A. at Atlantic States and South Atlantic council meetings.

Robert "Bob" Lucas is a professional lawyer and former Chairman of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission who led efforts to pass the 1997 Fisheries Reform Act.  He has a deep-rooted passion for recreational fishing. His career in law began after a sustained interest in the legal field, which led him to pursue a formal education in law. Upon completing his studies, Lucas embarked on a legal career that saw him engage in various capacities within the legal system. His expertise and dedication to the profession earned him respect among his peers and clients.

Eugene Greenlaw, born in 1949, is a lifelong resident of Lubec, Maine, with a brief period of service in the Navy. His first involvement in commercial fishing began with a job at a sardine factory in Lubec, where he worked for 31 years and eventually became the plant manager in 1998. Greenlaw has been commercially fishing for lobster since 1972 and has also fished for scallops, sea urchins, and herring at different times throughout his career.

Dana Rice, born in 1948, is a former groundfisherman from Birch Harbor, Maine. He began his fishing career in 1957, tub trawling with his family. Rice describes the fishing community of his time as subsistence living, with most families making enough to live comfortably but not able to accumulate much in savings. Groundfishing was only a small part of Rice's income, making up less than ten percent before he left the fishery in 1982.

Edward French, born in 1959, is a lifelong resident of Eastport, Maine, with a deep-rooted history in commercial fishing. His first involvement in the industry was as a crew member on a herring carrier, and he later ventured into tub trawling and scalloping on his own during the summer and fall seasons. In addition to his hands-on experience in the fisheries, French has also covered the industry for the local newspaper, Quoddy Tides.

Clifford D. West, born on December 23, 1942, in Steuben, is a seasoned commercial fisherman who began his career at the tender age of ten in 1954. He comes from a lineage of fishermen, with both his father and grandfather involved in the industry. Clifford's family, including his wife, who hails from a fishing family in Milbridge, has been instrumental in his fishing business. He has three children, none of whom are involved in fishing.

Interview with Gary Libby of Port Clyde, ME. Libby was born in Thomaston on April 26, 1958. born in Camden. Lives in Port Clyde, ME. Gary has served on shrimp and groundfish Advisory Panels and on a forage fish group as well. He grew up in Thomaston and started digging clams at 12 years of age. His father purchased a groundfish boat and Gary began to work aboard ship. He has also worked in scallops and aboard trip vessels, dragging for groundfish. He worked on deck for a number of years while fishing with his brother.

Born in Machias Port in 1935, Benjamin "Benny" Crocker, Sr. fished along the Maine coast much of his life. He took part in the lobster fishery and also dragged for groundfish. In the interview, he recalls fish prices, locations where he fished, various boats he owned and how he lived and worked during those years.

Glenn Robbins was born in January of 1947 in Castine, Maine. In this interview, he discusses his work teaching industrial arts and as a commercial fisherman. He has been fishing commercially since 1978.
 

Hollis Matthews was born in 1925 and has spent the majority of his life in Eastport, Maine. Before his career as a customs officer, Matthews worked in the local fisheries, where he was involved in the processing of fish for various uses such as canning, fishmeal, pet foods, and scales. He retired from his customs officer position in 1990. Matthews is also known for his extensive collection of photographs, many of which were given to him by members of the community. Wayne Wilcox was born in 1954 and, like Matthews, was born and raised in Eastport, Maine.

Paul Molyneaux was born in 1958 and has lived in various parts of Maine, including East Machias, Trescott, and Eastport. He began his career in the fishing industry in 1975, initially working in Key West, Florida, where he was involved in shrimp processing. In 1981, he moved to Maine and started fishing out of Rockland on groundfish and sword fishing draggers [4]. He also worked on scalloping during the wintertime. In 1986, Molyneaux moved to Eastern Maine to run the fish processing plant, Passamaquoddy Quality Seafood and Fillet, located on the Passamaquoddy Reservation.

John Phinney, born in 1967 in Utah, has spent most of his life in Lubec, Maine. His family has a long history in the seafood industry, with his father working as a fish buyer, coordinating with boats and processing plants. In the mid-70s, his family started a business on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, which they sold in the mid-80s to move to Lubec. After serving in the military for six years, Phinney took over the family business in 1998, renaming it Phinney Fisheries.

Hugh French is a lifelong resident of Eastport, Maine, who has witnessed the economic shifts in his community over the years. Although he was never directly involved in the fishing industry, he has a deep understanding of its impact on the local economy, particularly the rise and decline of the sardine industry and the increased dependence on lobstering. French is currently the Director of the Tides Institute, a position that allows him to observe and contribute to the community's development.

Lynn Bowman was born on December 20, 1938, in Eastport, Maine. She is a third-generation Eastporter who lived in the city until her high school graduation. Like many young people from Eastport, she moved away after graduation to pursue opportunities in larger cities. She relocated to Portland, where she lived for approximately forty-eight years. During her career, Bowman worked at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and she is now retired. In her youth, she was involved in the fisheries, working in a factory during the summer when she was fifteen.

Interview with fisherman Leonard E. Young, III, born September 9, 1944 in Bar Harbor, Maine. Young describes his entry into the commercial fisheries and discusses both lobstering and groundfish fishing.
 

Interview with Howie Edwards, who was born in Rockland, Maine. In this oral history interview, he describes changes in the community of Rockland as well as the canning industry.

Richard Bridges is a seasoned commercial fisherman from Stonington, Maine. He began his fishing career at a young age, setting 150 traps when he was just seven years old, alongside his best friend who was eight at the time. His family, originally from Swan's Island, moved to Connecticut for work during the war but returned to Maine when Bridges was born, believing it was a better place for a boy to grow up. Bridges started groundfishing commercially in 1964, and gill-netted out of Stonington from 1974 until 1984.

William Kirk, born in 1947, is a lifelong resident of Rockland, Maine. He is the first member of his family to work in the fishing industry, having entered the lobstering fishery independently in 1967 to supplement his income from working at a clothing factory in town. Despite the significant increase in the cost of bait and other operating costs over the years, Kirk continues to actively lobster, selling his lobsters locally throughout his career. He has two sons, one of whom works with him in the lobstering business while the other works for a fishing company.

Russell Wright, born in 1960, is a lifelong resident of Lubec, Maine. He has been serving as a marine patrol officer since 1999. Prior to joining the Marine Patrol, Wright had a brief stint in the logging industry before returning to his roots in the fishing industry. He has three brothers who are actively involved in the fishing industry. Wright's decision to join the Marine Patrol was influenced by his love for water and dealing with people.

Interview with Rockland lobsterman Roger Freeman, born April 22,1949 in Rockland, ME. At the time of the interview, Mr. Freeman was still living in Rockland. The interview contains information about Mr. Freeman's career fishing for lobsters. He describes his entry into the lobster industry in 1973 and the changes that he witnessed in gear, species fluctuations, prices and regulations.

Interview with William R. Modden, born July 21, 1934 in Bar Harbor, Maine. Modden began fishing commercially in 1952 at the age of 18. He participated in the scallop and groundfish fisheries in Maine and Massachusetts.

Jim Barstow, born on September 21, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, during the Second World War, has spent most of his life in St. George, Maine. He moved to Maine in 1972 and has been living there ever since, drawn by the community and his childhood friends. Jim's entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase and renovate the Ocean House Hotel, followed by the Seaside Inn, and eventually the Monhegan Boat Line in 1976. His family, particularly on his mother's side, hails from Pennsylvania and New York State, where they are primarily farmers.

Douglas Anderson Jr. was born in 1948, in Rockland, Maine, and has spent his entire life in Port Clyde, Maine, where he currently resides. He comes from a long line of fishermen, with both his mother's and father's sides of the family deeply involved in the fishing industry. His father was contracted to build a herring plant in Port Clyde in the 1940s, and Douglas was introduced to the fishing lifestyle at a young age, much like a child growing up on a farm. His heritage and early exposure to the industry led him to pursue a career in fishing, which he has thoroughly enjoyed.

Dan W. Miller, born in 1949, in Waterville, Maine, is a seasoned commercial fisherman with a rich history in the industry. He began his fishing career at a young age, obtaining his own lobstering license and boat at around seven years old. His commercial fishing journey started in the early 1970s. Despite not coming from a fishing family, Miller grew up in Cape Porpoise, a small harbor fishing community in Southern Maine, which is part of the town of Kennebunkport. He is a first-generation Mainer, with his father hailing from New Jersey and his mother from Massachusetts.

Allison Wilson Jr. was born in 1931, in Rockland. He has lived in Port Clyde, Maine, for almost eighty-one years, with twenty-four of those years spent in his current residence at 98 Horse Point Road. Wilson comes from a family with roots in Nova Scotia, with his ancestors having migrated to Port Clyde, where they built a log cabin before returning to Nova Scotia, and then coming back the following year. He estimates that he is the sixth or seventh generation of his family in the area.

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.

Stanley Sargent, born in 1965 in Stonington, Maine, is a seasoned commercial fisherman hailing from the rugged coastlines of Maine, a state renowned for its rich maritime heritage. Born into a family with deep roots in the fishing industry, Sargent's life has been inextricably linked to the sea from an early age. His forebears were among the hardy souls who braved the Atlantic's capricious moods to haul in the bounties of the ocean, passing down their knowledge and passion for the craft through generations.

Kathy Evans is recognized for her pivotal role as the environmental program manager at the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, where she has been instrumental in spearheading environmental initiatives. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly in the context of maintaining and revitalizing the working waterfront in Muskegon, Michigan.

John Williams is a seasoned commercial fisherman hailing from Stonington with a lineage deeply rooted in the maritime tradition. His initiation into the fishing world began in his formative years, working alongside his father, which laid the foundation for the eventual captaincy of his own vessel. Williams' expertise spans a diverse array of fishing methods, including lobstering, groundfishing, and scalloping, showcasing his adaptability and depth of knowledge within the industry.

Carl Chichester, a seasoned mariner and fisherman, spent his entire life in and around the bay, developing a connection with its waters and its rich maritime heritage. He began his career as a commercial fisherman, casting his nets and traps to secure a variety of catches from the bay's abundant waters. Chichester also worked as a guide for market hunters, guiding them to prime hunting spots and sharing his knowledge of the bay's natural rhythms.

Edward (Ed) Ockers, known as 'Melon Belly' among his community, was born and raised in the picturesque town of West Sayville. Throughout his entire life, he remained deeply connected to his hometown. Ed earned his living as a commercial fisherman, embracing the traditions of his Dutch heritage, just like many other residents in the area. The Ockers family had a long history in West Sayville, and he had an appreciation for the local fishing industry, which had been the lifeblood of the community for generations. Ed established the South Bay Fish Company.

Antje Nieuwenhuizen is a Dutch immigrant who settled in West Sayville, United States, in 1980. She came to the United States from Ijmuiden, Holland, in 1926. Antje's husband, Adrian, had already established himself in West Sayville before she made the decision to join him. They had three children before moving to West Sayville and later had a fourth child.

Walter Budd was a prominent figure among the men who worked the Great South Bay during the early-to-mid 20th century. Born in 1909, Budd started his career in West Sayville, Long Island, at the age of fifteen. Initially engaged in farming oysters, he, like his counterparts, had to adapt to the declining fertility of the bay's oyster beds by exploring alternative livelihoods or supplemental jobs.

The Tucker family, like so many of the West Sayville residents of Dutch heritage, earned their living on the Great South Bay or in the associated industries. John Tucker is a resident of West Table, New York, born on August 5, 1898. He grew up in a household with his six sisters, including his sister Mildred Tucker. With the exception of an older sister, born in 1896, none of the children married. All the boys in the family went on to become baymen. They all lived together in their family home.

One of the founding members of the San Diego Addicts Dive Club, Frank contributed countless artifacts and histories to this project. He set many records for competitive spearfishing, hand-crafted refined models of dive equipment from spearguns to sea sleds, and collected rare specimens as a scientific diver for Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He currently resides in La Jolla with his wife Suzy, and continues to provide insight and historical knowledge to new generations of divers with unmatched generosity.

Bill Howard is a seasoned diver with a rich history in the field of oceanography. Born in Pasadena, California, on September 1, 1938, Howard moved to San Diego in the summer of 1951. His first experience wearing a mask in the ocean was in front of the Marine Room. Howard was part of a dive club called the Cormorants, which was in existence for a short while. He later joined the Addicts, along with his diving buddies Bob Shea and Dave Lynn. Howard has a history of winning dive competitions, often with large sheep head fish. He also has experience with boat trips to the Cortes Bank.

Chuck Mitchell was born in Los Angeles in December 1940 and moved to San Diego in 1947. He grew up in Point Loma, attending Cabrillo Elementary School, Dana Junior High, and Point Loma High School. His father was a mechanic who owned his own garages, which led to Mitchell spending a lot of time working on cars and developing a curiosity about how things work. This curiosity has been a driving force throughout his life. In the early 1950s, Mitchell and his family moved onto a boat at Jim Underwood's Landing, the first marina on Shelter Island.

Chuck Nicklin, a renowned diver and underwater cinematographer, was born in Massachusetts and moved to San Diego in 1942 at the age of fourteen. His father was in the Navy and was reassigned to San Diego during World War II. Despite his initial reluctance to move, Nicklin fell in love with San Diego and decided to stay even when his father was reassigned back to Boston. Nicklin graduated from Point Loma in 1945 and began his journey into the world of diving as a teenager, exploring the waters around Sunset Cliffs and La Jolla Cove.

Dick Long is a pioneer in the field of dive suit invention and construction. Born in Berkeley, California, he moved to San Diego in 1963. His early life was marked by the impact of World War II, which led to his parents' divorce and his subsequent boarding out to a farm in Northern California. Long's diving career began in Monterey, where he learned to dive without formal classes, relying instead on a couple of basic guidebooks. His first experience with a mask in the ocean was in Monterey, where he was introduced to skin diving by a colleague.

Barbara Allen is a seasoned diver and underwater instructor who has made significant contributions to the diving community in San Diego. Born in Los Angeles, Allen first visited San Diego as a teenager with her parents. Her first experience with diving was in 1957 when she took the LA County Underwater Instructors class. This marked the beginning of her lifelong passion for diving and underwater exploration.

Jim Fallon is a long-time resident of San Diego, having moved there at the age of 10 in 1951. He began diving in junior high school, around the age of 12 or 13, initially focusing on free diving for abalone at Birdrock. Fallon attended PB junior high school and later Mission Bay high school, identifying himself as a local beach boy. His diving companions during his early years included Bill Curtis, Chuck Grabowski, Ted Patchen, and Randy Chapman. Fallon and his friends would wear navy sweaters purchased from the Navy surplus store as they didn't have wetsuits.

Ron McConaughey is a native of San Diego, born in 1941, and spent his entire life in the beach area, specifically Mission Beach. His first experience with underwater exploration began around 1949 when he wore a mask in the ocean for the first time. This sparked a lifelong interest in diving and underwater exploration. Around 1954, he took an introductory scuba course at the YMCA, which further fueled his passion. McConaughey's interest in scuba diving led him to read extensively on the subject, including works by Jacques Cousteau and the U.S. Navy diving manual.

Interview with semi-retired aquaculturist, David Leighton, conducted on 19 December 2013 at Carlsbad Aquafarm in Carlsbad California. Dr. Paul K. Dayton, Emeritus Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography was the interviewer.

Interview with San Diego born SCUBA diving pioneer and photographer, Chuck Nicklin, conducted on 29 January 2014 at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. Dr. Paul K. Dayton, Emeritus Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography was the interviewer.

Interview with Peter Halmay, President of the San Diego Fishermen's Working Group, diver, commercial fisherman on December 4, 2013, at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, including a special interview of Peter by Anna Talley, 2nd Grade, McKinley Elementary School on September 27, 2014.

Interview with retired San Diego commercial fisherman, John La Grange conducted on December 3, 2013 at John's home in Solana Beach, California. Dr. Paul K. Dayton, Emeritus Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography was the interviewer.

Frank and Marian Borek are a married couple who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to the conservation and management of natural resources in the Town of Brewster. Frank, with a background in education, spent years imparting knowledge as a teacher before taking on the role of a Herring Warden. His passion for teaching is matched by his love for cooking, a hobby that he relishes in his personal life. Marian, alongside Frank, has been an integral part of the herring management efforts in Brewster.

Henry Lind began working for the Town of Eastham in Barnstable County in 1971 as a shellfish warden and conservation agent. Born in the mid-20th century, Lind's early life was shaped by a profound appreciation for the natural world, which led him to pursue a career in environmental management. After completing his education, with a focus on marine biology and environmental science, he joined the Town of Eastham's Natural Resources Department in 1971.

Since 1972, Doug Kalweit has worked for the Town of Barnstable and is now the Supervisor of the Barnstable Natural Resources Department. In these roles, he has been at the forefront of local conservation efforts, particularly in the realm of aquatic life management. His expertise encompasses a broad range of environmental disciplines, but he is especially known for his work with anadromous fish species, such as river herring.

In 2007, Morris was the shellfish warden for the Town of Yarmouth and has established himself as a prominent figure in the field of natural resource management, particularly within the context of marine environments. His career trajectory has been marked by a series of progressive roles that have seen him evolve from a hands-on practitioner to a strategic leader in the conservation and sustainable use of shellfish resources. Johnson has gained a reputation for his innovative approaches to enhancing shellfish populations.

In 2007, Mike was a seasoned commercial shellfish harvester in Chatham. Born into a family with a rich maritime heritage, Anderson developed an affinity for the ocean at a young age. He honed his skills in shellfishing through years of hands-on experience, navigating the intricate waterways and understanding the rhythms of the tides that influence the shellfish populations.

Luther Eldredge is a seasoned shellfisher whose roots in the trade extend deep into the maritime heritage of Cape Cod. Having been introduced to shellfishing at a tender age by his grandfather, Eldredge has not only witnessed but also actively participated in the evolution of the industry throughout his life. In 2007, Luther Eldredge was harvesting commercially from the wild fisheries and growing oysters on an aquaculture grant that was originally his grandfather's.

In 2007, Henry Lind was the Director of the Natural Resources Department in the town of Eastham and a distinguished figure in the field of environmental conservation, with a particular focus on urban ecosystems. Born and raised in a bustling city environment, Lind's passion for nature was sparked by the green spaces that served as urban oases amidst the concrete landscape. His academic pursuits in environmental science led to a career dedicated to the development and management of urban parks and wildlife reserves.

In 2007, Dan Warncke was a Natural Resources Officer and seasoned shellfisherman in Bourne, Massachusetts. His life and career have been inextricably linked to the waters and the shellfishing industry that defines much of the region's economic and cultural landscape. With years of hands-on experience, Warncke has witnessed the ebb and flow of the industry, adapting to the changes and challenges that have come with time.

David Slack is a shellfisher on Cape Cod, a region known for its robust shellfishing industry. His career trajectory took a significant turn when he transitioned from a conventional desk job to the more hands-on and physically demanding practice of shellfishing. This change not only reflects a personal choice but also underscores a broader narrative of individuals seeking livelihoods connected to their community and environment.

In 2007, Bob Wallace was a shellfish grower in the town of Wellfleet.  He has been an integral figure in the local shellfishing industry. His life's work has centered on the cultivation and harvesting of shellfish, a trade that has sustained his family for generations. Wallace's expertise in shellfishing is not only a testament to his personal dedication but also serves as a living connection to the region's maritime heritage. Over the years, he has witnessed the ebb and flow of the industry, adapting to the changing tides of environmental, economic, and regulatory landscapes.

In 2007, Bob Bryson was a seasoned shellfish grower with deep roots in the coastal community of Barnstable Harbor, Cape Cod. His life and work are inextricably linked to the ebb and flow of the tides that shape the shores and livelihoods of those who call this place home. Born into a family with a rich legacy in shellfishing, Bryson has spent decades nurturing the beds that yield clams, oysters, and other bivalves, ensuring that the tradition of shellfishing is not only preserved but also thrives for future generations.

In 2007, Pat and Barbara Woodbury were shellfish growers in the town of Wellfleet, who are deeply embedded in the shellfishing industry of Cape Cod. As shellfish growers, they have dedicated themselves to the cultivation and harvesting of shellfish, a practice that not only supports their livelihood but also contributes significantly to the local economy and cultural fabric of the region.

Tony Jackett is a former commercial fisherman who transitioned into the role of a shellfish officer. In 2007, Tony Jackett was the Shellfish Constable for the towns of Truro and Provincetown on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. His career has been marked by a dedication to the management and preservation of shellfish resources in the towns of Provincetown and Truro. Jackett's work involves navigating the complexities of regulatory changes and advocating for sustainable practices within the shellfish industry.

Heinz Proft serves as a Natural Resources Officer and Biologist in Harwich, a role that places him at the intersection of environmental management and community engagement. His career is marked by a commitment to the stewardship of marine resources, particularly shellfish, which are integral to the local economy and ecosystem. Proft's work encompasses a range of responsibilities, from overseeing shellfish populations to implementing regulations that ensure sustainable harvesting practices.

Narrator Robert Nathan, of Arlington, Virginia was an economist and recreational fisher at the time of the interview.  He has been fishing the Florida Keys since 1937.
 

Narrator Peter Gladding of Key West, Florida was a commercial fisherman at the time of the interview.
 

Art Barton, long-time resident of Key West, Florida, a fishing guide with a deep-rooted history and connection to the area. His first visit to the region was around 1962 or 1963, and he became a regular visitor thereafter. In 1972, after retiring, he decided to make Key West his permanent home, initially living there only during the winter months. By 1978, he had transitioned to living in Key West year-round and has remained there ever since. Barton is deeply involved in the local fishing industry, both as a hobby and a profession.

Bob Holston and Cecelia Raycroft are long-time residents of the Florida Keys, with a deep connection to the local marine environment. Bob Holston, a former Navy serviceman, has been diving since the early 1970s. After leaving the Navy in 1972, he opened a dive shop, which has been his primary occupation ever since. His experience in the Navy and subsequent years of diving have given him a wealth of knowledge about the local marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. Cecelia Raycroft, on the other hand, has lived in the Keys her entire life, which spans over forty-four years.

Billy Deans, a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, has been living in the area since December 1968. He moved to the region when he was in the ninth grade. Deans has always been drawn to the water, a fascination that began when he first crossed the Seven Mile Bridge and was captivated by the clarity of the water. He initially lived on Stock Island from 1968 to 1980, after which he moved to Sugarloaf, where he has resided since. Deans is a University of Florida graduate with a degree in Chemistry.

Blondel Handcock is a seasoned fisherman with a rich history in the industry. Handcock has spent a significant portion of his life in the fishing industry, with his career spanning from 1976 to 1978. His experiences have not only been confined to his birthplace, but he also had the opportunity to work in Europe. Handcock's expertise in the field is evident in his detailed knowledge of fishing practices and the industry's dynamics. He has a deep understanding of the value of certain fishing practices and the implications of not adhering to them.

Charles Mills is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, with a deep understanding of the local environment and the changes it has undergone over the years. His knowledge extends to the intricacies of the local water systems, including the impact of septic tanks and drain fields on the water quality. Mills is a strong advocate for responsible septic tank maintenance, arguing that regular cleaning can prevent system failures and potential contamination of the surrounding waterways.

Bill Wickers is a lifelong resident of the Keys, having spent 46 years in the area. He has been a charter boat captain for approximately 24 years, a profession he took up after a four-year stint as a school teacher. Even during his teaching years, Wickers was involved in charter fishing, often spending his weekends and vacations on the water. His experience on the water is extensive, with an average of five to six days a week spent on the water over the years.

Ed Davidson is a seasoned mariner with over 25 years of experience operating boats in the Florida Keys. His extensive maritime career spans various sectors including sport fishing charters, headboat fishing operations, commercial fishing, and diving and snorkeling charters. Davidson's deep connection with the marine environment is not only professional but also academic. He holds a science degree and has conducted population studies on commercially valuable species. Over the years, Davidson has been an eyewitness to the steady decline in water quality and clarity in the Florida Keys.

Captain Jack Burleson, known as "Capt. Jack," was born in 1922.  He was drafted from the Coast Guard into the Army during World War II.  After the war, he held various roles, including a dive instructor in Marathon, guiding divers in the Florida Keys, and a versatile handyman, carpenter, taxi driver, and dog trainer. Jack was also an artist and painted with acrylics on unconventional canvases like sea beans and driftwood.

Ed Little is a seasoned fisherman with extensive knowledge and experience in the marine ecosystem and fisheries. His insights are drawn from his personal observations and experiences in the field, particularly in the Key West area. Little has witnessed firsthand the changes in the marine ecosystem and the impact of increased human activity on water and fish populations. His expertise extends to the understanding of the behavior of various fish species, their abundance, size, and the presence of parasites and abnormalities in certain species.

Ed Swift is a seasoned businessman who has spent over four decades residing in the Keys. His life has been deeply intertwined with the waters surrounding the Keys, with experiences ranging from diving to fishing. Swift's passion for marine life was inherited from his father, a diver and journalist, who played a significant role in the charter boat fishing industry in Marathon. Swift's childhood memories are filled with fishing adventures in Marathon, which have shaped his understanding and appreciation of the marine ecosystem.

Debbie Carpe is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, having lived there since she was a child. She has a vivid memory of a significant event that occurred when she was around twelve years old, a phenomenon known as the red tide, which turned the sea red and caused a massive die-off of marine life. Carpe's recollection of the event is detailed, describing how the water looked and the impact on the fish, many of which were gasping for air at the surface. She took it upon herself to collect the struggling fish and bring them to a holding place at Coco Plum.

Don DeMaria is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, having moved there permanently in 1977, although he had been visiting the area since 1965. He initially lived in Key West before moving to Summerland around 1984. DeMaria is a college graduate and has been a commercial fisherman since 1972. His fishing experience extends to various locations, including Tortugas, Boca Grande, and Marquesas, with his work in Tortugas beginning when he moved to the Keys permanently. DeMaria's fishing methods include spearfishing and catching tropical fish.

Debbie Harrison is a long-time resident of the Lower Keys in Florida, having lived there for fifteen years, with a brief hiatus when she returned to Michigan to care for her mother. She is a certified diver since 1983 and has spent a significant amount of time exploring the back country and diving on the reef. Harrison has held a variety of jobs, including grafting, hotel/motel work, and working on a lobster boat, which she considered more fun than work. She has also worked as a planner for the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust and another unidentified organization.

Curtis Kruer is a seasoned professional in the field of fisheries, with a wealth of experience and knowledge that spans several years. His career has been marked by a deep involvement in various aspects of the fishery industry, including research, data collection, and report writing. Kruer's work has been instrumental in contributing to the understanding of fishery dynamics, as evidenced by his numerous reports and documents that have been used as reference materials in the field.

Dave Nolan is a long-time resident of the Keys, having lived there for thirteen years. Prior to his move, he served in the Navy and was stationed in Japan. Nolan is currently in his late forties, soon to turn fifty. He first visited the Keys in the early 1960s before eventually deciding to settle there. Nolan earned a four-year college degree, and attended graduate school. After leaving the Navy, he initially worked in the charter boat industry before transitioning to his current role as the director of the AIDS Prevention Center.

Bennett Orr is a seasoned commercial fisherman who has been living in the Marathon area since 1993. Born in 1935, Orr has spent a significant portion of his life in the Florida Keys, specifically in Key West and Marathon. His primary occupation is fishing, with a focus on catching crawfish and stone crabs. During the summer, Orr switches to hook and line fishing, primarily targeting dolphins. He is known for his extensive knowledge of the local waters, fishing in the east and west to the north shore.