Interview with W.S. Jordan & Co. of Portland, Maine, by Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

Gibb Walker, a native of Sapelo Island, Georgia, has been a part of the shrimping industry from a young age. Born on Sapelo Island, he moved to Brunswick in 1955 due to a lack of job opportunities in his hometown. His passion for shrimping was ignited by his uncle when he was around fifteen or sixteen years old, and his father was also a shrimper. At the age of twenty, he started running a boat in 1961 and continued shrimping until 2000 or 2003. Walker was one of the few Black captains in Brunswick, a position he held from around 1982 or 1985.

Wynn Gale is a lifelong resident of Darien, Georgia, and a fourth-generation fisherman. He began his career in commercial fishing at the age of twelve. Despite a brief attempt at a career in law enforcement, Gale returned to the fishing industry, following in the footsteps of his family who have only ever worked in fishing. Over the years, Gale has observed a significant decrease in the number of boats fishing in the area. He has also experienced the financial challenges of the industry, having had to sell his shrimp boat due to high dock rent and the lack of a crew.

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.

Charles Phillips, a native of Jesup, Georgia, spent his early years engaged in farming activities such as baling hay and picking tobacco. However, his life took a significant turn when his family moved to the coast around his seventh grade. Here, he developed a deep connection with the water, spending most of his time exploring the marshes and rivers, and visiting friends via his 14-foot aluminum skiff. His father, after a brief stint in shrimping, decided to invest in a shrimp boat, marking the beginning of the family's foray into the seafood industry.

Brande Bennett is a seasoned shrimper from Brunswick, Georgia. Raised on the deck of a shrimp boat by her father, she spent her childhood weekends, summers, and holidays learning the trade. Her father's influence not only initiated her career in fishing but also shaped her into a headstrong woman. She started earning from a young age by selling crabs and fish. As an adult, she transitioned from working on the boat to managing the payroll and business side of her father's shrimping business.

Charles Jones is a seasoned fisherman from Darien, Georgia, who has spent a significant part of his life in the commercial fishing industry. Born and raised in Darien, Jones began his fishing career at a young age, heading shrimp at the docks after school to earn money for his family's needs. Jones briefly left the fishing industry to serve in the Vietnam War, after which he returned to fishing with his father. He later bought his own boat and began running his own fishing operations. Jones also worked for the Georgia State Patrol for a period of time before buying his second boat.

Brandon Schroeder is an Extension Educator with the Michigan Sea Grant college program, a collaborative effort between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. He is employed through Michigan State University Extension, which forms the other half of Michigan Sea Grant. Schroeder lives and works in Lincoln, Michigan, Alcona County, serving the northern coastal communities of northern Lake Huron. His work primarily involves fisheries, working with commercial fishermen, charter boat fishermen, and the recreational community.

David "Tony" Karwacki is a seasoned commercial fisherman from Darien, Georgia. Born into a family of fishermen, Tony has been involved in the fishing industry since he was a child. His father, a first-generation fisherman, introduced him to the trade at a young age. Tony recalls standing on a five-gallon bucket to look over the console and drive the boat when he was just five years old. By the age of fourteen, he was already captaining his own boat and pulling his own set of crab traps.

Kathi Harrington is a resident of Brunswick, Georgia. She is married to Richard Puterbaugh, a seasoned shrimper. Kathi is a supportive partner and a mother, often sharing her experiences and perspectives on the impacts of the shrimping industry on their family life. She provides valuable insights into the social and emotional aspects of the fishing community, including the challenges faced by their daughter, Savannah, due to the misconceptions about the shrimping industry.

Corey Thomas Miller, born in 1982 in Jefferson Parish in Metairie, is a prominent advocate for coastal restoration in Louisiana. Raised in Metairie, he attended high school in New Orleans and later pursued his higher education at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge. After his undergraduate studies, Miller decided to further his education by pursuing a master's degree in sociology at the University of New Orleans (UNO). During his time at UNO, he was fortunate to secure an assistantship with the UNO Center for Hazard Assessment, Response, and Technology (CHART).

Kellyn Lacour-Conant is a dedicated environmentalist with a deep-rooted connection to the wetlands of Louisiana. Born on April 13th, 1993 in Houston, Texas, she spent her childhood summers in Louisiana, where her family originates from. Her early experiences with the water, both in Houston, the "Bayou City", and in Louisiana, where her family engaged in fishing and hunting, instilled in her a profound appreciation for wetland ecosystems. This appreciation eventually led her to pursue a career in environmental conservation.

Fernando Gonzalez was born in Guatemala City. After coming to the United States, he began shrimping out of Bayou La Batre, AL. He has been a commercial fisherman for over 30 years, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, San Pedro, CA and New England. He discusses his own close calls and the loss of several of the New Bedford fleet.

Erin Bowers is a dedicated educator and environmental activist with a rich background that includes service in the Army Reserves. Raised in a working-class Catholic household, Bowers' early experiences shaped her values and commitment to community service. Her career in education has been marked by a deep commitment to fostering learning and growth in young people. Beyond her professional role, Bowers has been actively involved in environmental activism, with a particular focus on opposing fracking in her local community.

Galon "Skip" Barlow is a long time fishermen from Cape Cod. He tells about a trip he took into Buzzards Bay forty years ago. 

Ellen Schomer has been a commercial fisherman for over 30 years. She began shucking scallops in Provincetown, MA before crewing on scallopers. She discusses her start in the industry as well as how it is to be a woman in a man's world.

Mr. Ficek has been a fisherman for ten years and talks about life at sea.

Ms. Wheeler-Forrest tells two stories about her life as a third generation trap fisherman.

Mr. Bailey tells about his experience recreational fishing.

Edward "Eddie" Enos Jr. grew up in Falmouth Heights, spending much of his time around the waterfront exploring and fishing. At the age of 12, he had a chance encounter with an experienced fisherman named Joe Joseph, who would become a significant influence in his life. Joe taught Eddie about fishing techniques, shared his knowledge of the local fishing spots, and even gifted him a share of the white perch they caught together. Joe Joseph, an experienced fisherman and entrepreneur, owned the Harvard New Fish Market and had a deep connection to the waterfront community.

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.

Mr. Najjar grew up in Nantucket and New Bedford. He tells stories of fishing off Sconset Beach in Nantucket and of his Cape Verdean family heritage.

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.

Jimmy Dwyer has been a lumper in New Bedford since 1960. He talks about his work as a lumper, his connection with a vessel lost at sea, his very short fishing career, and the nicknames of those on the New Bedford waterfront.

James Tomasia was born in the Azores and immigrated to the United States when he was a boy. He talks about his life growing up, how he became a lumper, what a lumper does, and about the changes he has seen.

Mr. Barlow describes a day shellfishing which did not go as he planned.

Mr. Edwards tells the story of a time his father was thought lost at sea.

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.

Etta Gayheart, an octogenarian from Wolfpen, Knott County, Kentucky, has lived a life rich in experiences and memories. Born and raised in Smithboro, Kentucky, she has seen the transformation of her hometown over the years, including the construction of a lake that significantly impacted the local community. Her life story is a tapestry of personal and communal experiences, from her childhood memories of her parents and grandparents to her career as a state worker. Her father was a coal miner, and her mother worked in the local schools, cooking for the students.

John Isaksen has been a fisherman since the 1940's. He began fishing as a boy when he lived in Norway. He is the son of a fisherman. He talks about vessels lost at sea, unusual catches, and the men he learned from and the vessels he fished on.

Jon Campbell discusses life growing up in a fishing community.

Len Tchorz was a fisherman for thirty-five years, worked for the Steamship Authority, and worked on a tug boat. He tells how he began in the industry and nicknames of those men who worked on the waterfront. He tells about his second trip which ended when his fishing vessel ran into an ocean liner in the fog.

Frances Rodrigues has been the wife of a scalloper for over 30 years. She talks about pranks, close calls, life at home and other aspects of a fishing families life.

Ms. Reed operated a bed and breakfast in Fairhaven, MA for many years. She tells the story about visiting the New Bedford fish auction which used to take place in the Wharfinger Building on Pier 3.

Melvin Shorey has fished for over thirty-four years. He has worked as a scalloper, as swordfisherman, and a draggerman.

Frank McDowell is a seasoned commercial fisherman from Georgia with a rich family history deeply rooted in the fishing industry. Born and raised in a large family of fishermen, McDowell's life has been shaped by the sea and the challenges that come with making a living from it. His experiences span from the tradition of blessing the fleet to witnessing significant changes in the fishing community over the years.

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.

Frank Mirarchi, a seasoned veteran in the fishing industry, began his career in 1962. Over the decades, he has witnessed a multitude of changes within the industry, including significant collapses in the 1990s. Mirarchi has been an active participant in the management efforts to control fishing mortality, primarily through the implementation of 'days at sea' regulations. These regulations, however, have not been without their challenges and inefficiencies, which Mirarchi has experienced firsthand.

Duke Marshall and Mark Nelson are prominent figures from Smith Island, Maryland, known for their active involvement in the community's affairs. They have been instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by the island, including an aging population, a declining workforce, and changing demographics. Their commitment to the island's welfare is deeply rooted in its unique isolation and history, which they consider integral to the identity of its residents.

Nancy Quintin is the daughter of an Azorean whaleman and the husband of a scallop captain for 30+ years. She tells the story of when she was pregnant and was on the radio with her husband.

Ms. Hubright's father was a fisherman. She tells about life at home and a story from her father's encounter with a Russian submarine during the war.

Mrs. Quintin tells of how the flavor of raw scallops differs from different parts of the ocean.

Ms. Panteleakos talks about recreational fishing.

Doug Rogers Sr. and Jean Rogers are a couple residing in Brooklyn, New York. Doug was born in Brooklyn, but his father and grandfather hailed from East Marion. During the Great Depression, Doug's family moved to Brooklyn but returned to East Marion when he was born. Doug's father worked as a house painter, and his grandfather was a gentleman farmer. Doug spent 35 years working on the bay, learning the trade from a seasoned fisherman named Raymond Rackett, who was a third-generation fisherman.

Mr. Ed Warner, a native of Hampton Bays and a fifth-generation bayman, possessed an unparalleled knowledge of the town's history and its people. Born in 1925, Ed Warner grew up in Hampton Bays, fostering a deep sense of loyalty and pride for his hometown. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned home and became a bayman. Ed possessed an intimate understanding of the best fishing spots, techniques to maximize his catch, and where to find the largest clams. Ed Warner served as a member of the Southampton Board of Trustees for 27 years, spanning 13 re-elections.

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.

Renee Ruscoe is originally from Mississippi but now fishes in the Pacific Northwest. In the first interview, she tells how she came to be a fisherman. She explains about life on a salmon purse seiner, how the seine works, and the day to day life on board. In the second interview, she tells the story about being buried in the net on the deck and how the captain left her there while finishing hauling in the fish. He wrote a poem about the experience which she shares in this interview.

Mr. Olson tells of his days fishing with gill nets, lobstering in the 1960's and 1970's and his first lobster boat.

Mr. Dubowik is a third generation fisherman from New Bedford. He tells a bit about his time as a fisherman, how he came to be a fisherman, and a close call at sea.

Paul Swain comes from a fishing family. He fished for a time when he came out of the service in 1956. He became a sampler for the Port of New Bedford, eventually becoming the State Supervisor for all the ports in Massachusetts. He tells of his time fishing and about life on the waterfront.

Renee Ruscoe is originally from Mississippi but now fishes in the Pacific Northwest. In the first interview, she tells how she came to be a fisherman. She explains about life on a salmon purse seiner, how the seine works, and the day to day life on board. In the second interview, she tells the story about being buried in the net on the deck and how the captain left her there while finishing hauling in the fish. He wrote a poem about the experience which she shares in this interview.

Paul Costa recounts his short lived career as a recreational fisherman.

Born to a barber and a beautician in 1942, Corky Richards did not grow up in the seafood industry, but he got in it as soon as he could. Corky's family moved to Apalachicola when he was a teenager, and he immediately got to work on the bay. Using his carpentry skills, he began to make his own oyster tongs. One year in the off-season, a local marine supply company asked him to make tongs for the store. Soon, Corky was making and selling tongs to oystermen throughout Franklin County. Business was so good that Corky opened a woodworking shop.

Rodney Avila is a retired commercial fisherman who fished for over 60 years. He is a fourth generation fisherman, his son is the fifth generation. He tells a few stories from his career about storms at sea, pranks and jokes, unusual catches, and his worse trip.

Tammy Frye is a former fisherman as well as the daughter, wife and mother of fishermen. She tells about the loss of her two grandfathers at sea, her time fishing with her husband, how she found out she was pregnant, and the decisions her sons have made about their careers at sea.

Captain Quintin is a third generation fisherman. He tells of a few stories from his career including a prank he pulled on a crew member, the Perfect Storm, and an deck accident which happened to one of his crew.

Bob Richardson is the son of a fisherman and was a fisherman before becoming a minister. He talks about life on his father's boat, his one fall overboard, and how the sea gets into your blood.

Sarah Schumann is a commercial shell fisherwoman in Rhode Island. She currently targets underutilized shellfish species such as razor clams and periwinkles. She tells how she began her commercial fishing career.

Thomas O'Shaughnessy recounts the time he drift dived off Molokini in Hawaii.

Mr. Lowell talks about his experience as a recreational shellfisherman and diver.

Mr. Violino tells the story of a radio transmission he overheard on the Cape Cod Canal.

George Watkins's family has been in the Apalachicola area since the late nineteenth century. They've witnessed the sponge trade, the loading of cotton boats, and a booming seafood industry. When George was a eight years old, his grandfather began taking him out fishing on weekends. Right then, George knew he wanted to be a fisherman. Over the years he has harvested just about everything the bay has to offer. But one day George decided to take up beekeeping. He says it was because he just liked honey. Like everything else George does, he threw himself into beekeeping with a passion.

The son of farmers, Donald Smiley was not born with the bay in his blood. He spent his childhood in the inland town of Wewahitchka, and, as a young man, Donald worked as an air conditioning technician in Panama City. But in 1980 he moved to Franklin County and began oystering. Donald says he made more money in one day of oystering than he could make in a week at doing A/C repair. He harvested oysters for the next thirteen years, until in 1993 the industry was changing so much that Donald wanted out. As a hobby, he started tinkering with bees.

Originally from Tennessee, Charles Pennycuff's parents moved their family to Eastpoint in 1971. Since Charles first saw the bay at the age of seventeen, he has made his living from it. Over the years, Charles has done it all. He has shrimped, oystered, crabbed, and even grunted for worms. His son, Rex, worked the bay, too. Like a lot of folks, though, they wanted something more reliable. In 1993 Charles opened Fisherman's Choice Bait & Tackle in Eastpoint. He has no employees, only his family.

Anthony Taranto is the son of Italian immigrants. His parents, Joseph and Madeline Taranto, met in Apalachicola. In 1923 they opened their own seafood house, Taranto's Seafood, and Anthony was born nine years later. As a kid, Anthony remembers his father employing more than fifty shuckers, mostly African Americans. When he was old enough, he helped pack shrimp. They would pour the shrimp into wooden barrels, pack them with ice, and send them to New York on a train. Anthony took over his father's seafood business as an adult. But today, Taranto's Seafood is closed.

James McNeill Jr. was born at Indian Pass, just west of Apalachicola, in 1924. His father, James McNeill Sr., was originally from North Carolina. Working the rivers rafting timber downstream, James Sr. eventually made his way to Florida. Soon after, he got into the turpentine business and eventually acquired some 13,000 acres of Florida wilderness. James Sr. passed away in 1941. In 1947 James Jr. married Betty Lane. Together, they established the Indian Pass Seafood Company.

Born in 1942, Charles Thompson spent thirty-plus years of his life as a shrimper. In the 1980s, he began making his own nets. Soon, though, Charles could see that the shrimp business was changing. In 1998 he decided to sell his last boat. Not wanting to sit idle, he began repairing nets and making new nets for the shrimpers in the area. At that time, other net shops in Franklin County were closing. A local net maker by the name of James Copeland passed his skills and his patterns on to Charles. Soon, Charles had a new demand for his handiwork.

Carl McCaplan's family has relied on of the Apalachicola Bay for generations. Born in 1968, Carl practically grew up on the water. He remembers going out to oyster with his father when he was just eight years old. As a teenager, Carl moved away, looking for a different life. But the people and the place drew him back. He returned to Apalachicola and invested in his future. In the late 1980s Carl worked with the Oyster Association to replant the oyster beds. Twenty years later, oystermen are now harvesting those areas.

Jiggs Zingarelli's grandfather came to Florida from Puglia, Italy, sometime in the late nineteenth century. Jiggs's parents settled in Apalachicola, where he was born in 1915. His nickname references his childhood habit of dancing Irish jigs. He served in the Army during World War II. When Jiggs returned home, he looked to printing as a trade. He went to Nashville to learn the craft of linotype and opened Franklin County Press in 1946. Soon, he began printing the oyster tags for the seafood houses in the area, and he has been printing them ever since.

Fred Millender has been working on the bay since he was a boy. Born in Carrabelle, Florida, in 1929, Fred's family saw opportunity in Eastpoint and moved there in 1942. At one time, the Millender family had three seafood houses along the bay. When Fred managed his own place, he had twenty-nine boats harvesting oysters. The seafood industry was booming in Eastpoint. Recently, though, among other problems, hurricanes have taken their toll on the area. But Fred is a survivor. He has found a way to keep Fred's Best Seafood afloat. Today, his daughter Susan operates the seafood house.

Born in 1961, Tommy Ward grew up with an appreciation for the place he still calls home. His parents, Buddy and Martha Pearl Ward, raised Tommy in the business out at their seafood house, 13 Mile. The remote location, thirteen miles west of Apalachicola, gave Tommy a hands-on education in his natural surroundings and life on the bay. As a teenager, Tommy left home and spent some time away at college. He also paid his dues working at some other seafood houses in Apalachicola. Eventually, he returned to the family business. But 13 Mile is not just his business. It's his heritage.

Terry Dean's grandmother, Monette Hicks, came to Eastpoint with her parents in 1916. Terry grew up listening to her grandmother's stories of what Eastpoint was like in the early days, when oysters were shucked in lean-tos on the shore, and there wasn't a thing on St. George Island, not even a bridge to get there. Electricity didn't arrive in Eastpoint until the 1950s. Still, dozens of seafood houses dotted the waterfront. In every family there was an oysterman, a shucker, or a crab picker, probably all three. Today, only a handful of seafood houses line the water's edge through Eastpoint.

Professor Alan Collins is a distinguished academic in the field of Agricultural and Resource Economics at West Virginia University. Collins spent his formative years in the Western United States, primarily in Phoenix, Arizona, where his father worked for the Bureau of Land Management. His early exposure to natural resource management led him to pursue a degree in Natural Resource Economics from the University of Arizona in Tucson. Furthering his academic journey, he obtained his master's and doctoral degrees from Utah State University and Oregon State University, respectively.

Oringinally from Atlanta, Wes Birdsong and his wife sailed into Apalachicola in 1996. They docked their boat in town at the Deep Water Marina & Boatyard. It soon it became obvious to Wes that the marina needed some attention, so he took it upon himself to become caretaker of the place and help service the boats. Deep Water Marina, once the only working boatyard in the area, serviced all of the commercial fishing boats in Apalachicola. It was also a place for recreational boats to dry dock for repairs. In 2006 the Deep Water Marina & Boatyard closed.

Interview with Gary Zuckett, Founding member of West Virginia Surface Owners' Rights Organization (WVSORO)

Interview with Bill Gorby.  Topics include: Oil &  Gas Drilling in and Around Ohio Farming Community.

LC Scott is a seasoned fisherman from Georgia, with a wealth of experience and stories to share about his life and career in the fishing industry. He grew up in a community known as Briar Patches, located about 10 miles from Darien, Georgia. Scott's experience in the fishing industry is extensive, having worked in various roles on fishing boats. He learned the ropes from the ground up, starting with tasks such as checking the oil and clutch, filling the radiator with water, and removing the lines before the boat could set off.

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.

Leon Skipper is a seasoned commercial fisherman from McIntosh County, Georgia, with over fifty years of experience in the shrimping industry. Born and raised in Bolin, Georgia, Skipper moved to Meridian later in life. His passion for shrimping was ignited during his childhood when he would accompany his father on fishing trips during weekends and school holidays. Skipper's career in shrimping has taken him from North Carolina to the Gulf Coast, Texas, Campeche Mexico, and back up to Tampa, Florida.

Dave Alexander is the Executive Director of Downtown Muskegon Now, in Muskegon, Michigan. His work is deeply rooted in the community, which is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and is the largest deep water port on their side of the lake in the state of Michigan. Alexander's community is also the largest urban community along that waterfront and the second largest county along that waterfront. His work is influenced by the unique geographical features of Muskegon, including Muskegon Lake, which he describes as defining the community.

Jonathan Bennett is a fifth-generation commercial fisherman from Brantley County in Waynesville, Georgia. Born into a family deeply involved in the shrimping industry, Bennett has been on a boat since he was three years old. His grandfather, who owned his own boats, introduced him to the fishing life, which he describes as a rough and labor-intensive one. Despite the challenges, Bennett took over his own boat at the age of twenty, a decision driven by opportunity and the need to support his family financially.

Dee Davis, a native of Hazard, Kentucky, is a prominent figure in the field of rural strategies and social change campaigns. Born to parents who were also from Hazard, Davis has deep roots in the Appalachian region, with his family's history in the area dating back to the 1700s. He attended Hazard High School before moving on to college and eventually settling in Whitesburg, Kentucky, where he has spent the majority of his adult life. Davis is the president of the Rural Strategies Center for Rural Strategies, an organization that has been involved in various social change campaigns.

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.

Interview with Michael Edward Vernon.

Interview with Renee Audrey Jones.

Debbie Frazier Halcomb, a native of Cody, Kentucky, was born into a family that owned and operated a small grocery store and garage in the area now known as Carr Creek Lake. Her father, Gid Frazier, hailed from Hot Spot, Kentucky (now known as Premium), while her mother, Alma Frazier, was from Vicco, Kentucky. The family moved to Cody when Debbie was six years old, a decision influenced by her impending school years. She attended Carr Creek Elementary School, starting in 1962.

Interview with Morris Butler.

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.

Interview with Robert David Waters.

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.

Donald McCann is a marine surveyor by trade, hailing from Virginia, where he has resided for nearly three decades. He is associated with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, although not on a full-time basis. McCann has been instrumental in assisting Tom Murray in creating an inventory and transforming it into a functional tool. His efforts have contributed to the enactment of a working plan by Virginia, which he believes is the first comprehensive master plan for the working waterfront in the United States.

Dave Lemberg is a professor of Geography at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His work and research have been primarily focused on water trails in Michigan for the past twenty years. Lemberg's interest in outdoor recreation initially revolved around underground caves, but upon moving to Michigan for his university job, he shifted his focus to water due to the state's extensive navigable waterways. He has been instrumental in developing a Heritage Water Trail program for the state of Michigan and a linear coastal trail on Lake Michigan from Indiana to Wisconsin.

The interview begins with a brief history of Thornell King's childhood and his father’s involvement in selling fish back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He then goes on to talk about his brief interest in shrimping and how that eventually led him into the world of jellyballing. He describes his time under his mentor, George Tye, and how Tye eventually gifted him his three boats and his jellyballing company.

Interview with Robert Lee Everson, Sr.

Todd Bragdon is a resident of Danielson, Connecticut and has been a commercial fishermen since 1982 out of Alaska, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, Owner/Operator Oneonta Fisheries Inc. Todd born on April 23, 1964, in Windham, Connecticut, spent his early years on a hog farm in Scotland, Connecticut. His family moved to Iowa when he was two years old, but returned to Connecticut in 1968.

Cordelia Collins Schaber is a native of Letcher County, Kentucky, who currently resides in Cold Spring, Kentucky. Born into a family with deep roots in the region, her father, Ray Collins, was an Old Regular Baptist preacher, and her mother, Estelle Collins, was also a Collins before marriage. Cordelia's family history in the area traces back to her great-great-grandfather, who built the home where multiple generations of her family, including her mother and herself, were born.