Russell Sherman, 64, lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts and has been fishing for over 40 years and came to Cape Ann during his summer breaks from Harvard University where he was studying History. He got his first boat in 1980 and maintains that active participation in fisheries management is very important. He has attended meetings at the state and federal Council level for years until recently when his stress and frustration with the management process overpowered his decision to attend meetings.

Leticia Pearsall, 40, is a registered nurse, married to commercial fisherman Niles Pearsall, who fishes out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. Mrs. Pearsall has no family history of fishing; her husband has owned his boat for about 11 years. He predominantly does dragging offshore. Her husband has been a member of sector 5 since sector management began. Mrs. Pearsall has a negative view sector management regulation; she finds it often overwhelming and confusing. She has seen a decrease in household income since sector regulations were implemented. Their quality of life was worse before Mrs.

Niles Pearsall, 44, is a commercial fisherman out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. He began fishing after high school and now fishes for groundfish or squid up to 100 miles south of New England. He is a member of Sector 5. He believes that sectors are a good idea, but that everyone needs more quota. Sector management has led to rifts in the fishing community, largely as a result of the disparity in quota allocation. Mr. Pearsall believes that his quality of life is the same, due in part to his wife's income which has made up for his loss in income.

Dan Shannon, 48, is a commercial fisherman out of Scituate, Massachusetts. He began fishing around age 15 and has had his own boat for 20 years. He currently fishes predominantly lobster on Stellwagen Bank and in Massachusetts Bay, but also catches codfish and haddock. He joined sector 10 because the common pool was not a viable option. Mr. Shannon believes that sector management is not the appropriate strategy and was implemented unfairly.

Eric Reid, 54, is a seafood wholesaler and former commercial fisherman in Point Judith, Rhode Island. He began fishing when he was a boy, with his uncles who were, in his words, "artisanal fishermen"; he began working on deck on a party boat at age 12 and got his captain's license at age 19. Since that time he has worked on a multitude of different boats in many different fisheries.

Christine Sykes, 60, is the wife of commercial fisherman Rodman Sykes who fishes out of Point Judith, RI. Though she is not from a fishing family, her husband is and has been fishing since he was 17, working with his grandfather. He currently targets finfish, especially yellowtail and codfish, and sometimes squid. He is a sector member. Mrs. Sykes believes that increased regulations, including those related to sectors, lead to more stress, often with respect to heavy observer coverage on the vessel.

Angela Sanfilippo, 62, lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts and serves as the President of Gloucester's Fishermen's Wives. Her husband was a commercial fisherman who lost his boat due to a fire and now works for on a charter boat because they knew it'd be too risky to re-invest in fishing; she does have a brother and other family members that are involved in sectors. Mrs. Sanfilippo works very hard to assist with commercial fisheries, whether through helping fishermen gain health insurance or by working in the permit bank.

Roland Clark was born and raised on Shelter Island, New York, where he has spent his entire life working on the water. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in maritime traditions; both his father, Ed Clark Sr., and his grandfather, Albertus Clark, were experienced fishermen and clammers. Roland attended school on Shelter Island and, from a young age, joined his father and grandfather in various fishing activities, including clamming, scalloping, and hand lining.

On February 3, 2004, Nancy Solomon interviewed Edward Lowell Ockers, or Lowell, as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History Project. Ockers was born in West Sayville in 1933 and has remained a lifelong resident of the area. After serving in the Navy, he began to work on the bay, catching eels using traps purchased from his father–who had also made a living as a local bayman. During the conversation with Solomon, Ockers shares his family’s history with the local maritime industry, recalling his summers spent assisting his father with pound trap fishing.

Interview with Terry Thompson.

On July 3, 2000, Steve Warrick interviewed Flo Sharkey as part of the Long Island Traditions oral history collection. Flo, a dedicated baywoman from Long Island, comes from a family deeply rooted in the fishing and shellfishing industry. Flo explains the various methods she uses when clamming and discusses the types of clams she gathers. She learned the trade from her brother and father and shares insights about treading and scratch raking.

On May 19, 1987, Nancy Solomon interviewed George Streit as part of the Long Island Traditions oral history collection. George is a lifelong fishing enthusiast, whose love for the sport shaped his life and experiences.  George shares his memories of fishing in childhood and mentions that while he's had land jobs on and off, he always came back to fishing. Over time, he developed a passion for big-game fishing and clamming. He describes the techniques he's learned over the years, as well as his observations about the local fishing industry.

Interview with Mark Saelens.

Interview with Justin Yager.

Interview with Sandy Roumagoux.

Interview with Ryan Sokol.

Mark K. Craig is a distinguished figure in the field of space exploration and development, with a career spanning over four decades. He holds a B.S. in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University (1971) and pursued Engineering Graduate Study at Rice University (1974-1983). He also completed the Program for Senior Executives at MIT Sloan School in 1992. Craig's career at NASA is marked by significant roles and contributions. He served as the Associate Center Director, Space Development and Commerce at the Johnson Space Center from 2002 to 2005.

Dr. Lennard A. Fisk is a renowned scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of space science. His journey in the field began in 1969 when he joined NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. His interest in space science was sparked by the launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957 when he was just 14 years old. Fisk completed his undergraduate degree in physics at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and began his graduate studies in space science at the same institution.

Stephen Francois is a seasoned aerospace engineer who began his career with NASA as a propulsion and mechanical engineer during the Titan/Centaur Program. His journey with NASA started when he applied for a job and was hired after a last-minute call. He received training in various departments at Kennedy Space Center, which equipped him with a broad range of skills and knowledge. Francois played a significant role in the integration of the Titan and Centaur stages for the Viking and Voyager missions.

John Fischbeck is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to the field of space exploration, particularly in the SRB Recovery Ships project at the Kennedy Space Center. His career is marked by his involvement in the challenging and innovative task of retrieving solid rocket boosters from the ocean. Fischbeck's work has not only involved technical expertise but also unique experiences such as dealing with a Russian trawler and the salvage operation after the Challenger disaster.

Dr. Brian Dailey is a renowned expert in space exploration and international relations, with a significant contribution to the Shuttle-Mir Project. His career began in the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he developed a deep understanding of Russian space issues, having visited Russia twice with committee members. His expertise in this area led to his appointment as the executive secretary of the National Space Council under President George H. W. Bush, succeeding Mark J. Albrecht in June 1992.

Frank J. Cepollina is a renowned figure in the field of satellite servicing. His career at NASA spans over 50 years, during which he has made significant contributions to the development and execution of complex space missions. Cepollina's work has been instrumental in advancing the use of robotics in space, particularly in the servicing and repair of satellites. His innovative approach to problem-solving and his dedication to exploring new concepts and research opportunities have been key to his success and longevity in the field.

Joseph P. Chaput is a seasoned marine operations manager and skipper, best known for his work at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Chaput's journey into space shuttle operations began at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, where he initially intended to sail tankers for his entire career. However, his path took a different turn, leading him to become an integral part of the NASA team. Chaput's role at NASA was multifaceted and required a high level of creativity and adaptability.

Larry F. Collins is a Florida native, born and raised in Gainesville, where he also attended college and majored in accounting. However, his career took a different path when he developed a passion for diving while teaching the sport during his college years. This passion led him to a unique opportunity at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, where he was hired as a lead diver for Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) Recovery Ships. Collins initially intended to stay for a few years, but his tenure extended to over three decades.

Orrie Williams' family has been in Cortez since 1905.  His father had fish house and Orrie drove truck for him.  Williams talks about his family in Cortez, the Burton store and the 1921 hurricane. 

Interview with Cokie Rathborne and Greg Lier in Harvey Canal, Louisiana.

Interview with Cokie Rathborne and Greg Lier in Harvey Canal, Louisiana.

Dr. Chris Cenac is talking about the book he wrote, Eyes of an Eagle. The book describes the history of Houma, Louisiana, through the eyes of Dr. Chris Cenac's great-grandfather Jean Pierre Cenac, Sr. The Cenac family made many contributions to the improvement of technology and modernization of Houma and the surrounding areas. These include Houma Fish & Oyster Company, the first Ford dealership, and Louisiana Crushing Company. He also described the events leading up to the invention of the can, the air conditioner, the label making process, and getting gasoline out of the ground.

Interview with Roger Carmadelle in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Chris Cenac Sr. discusses the dried shrimp industry in the 1930's.  He also talks about the Germans and their use of the shrimp.  He also tells about Louisiana State University in the 60's.  He talks about his ancestors and their travel to Louisiana.  This transcript also discusses the invention of canning and pasteurization and its introduction into America.  The creation and use of Tabasco on seafood was being promoted around the time.  He talks about the steamboats and trains as mode of transportation as well as the development of the telegraph.

Interview with Reuben St. Pierre in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Thu Bui discusses Vietnamese fishermen and their traditions and history.  She talks about her job as a Sea Grant agent and her dealings with the Vietnamese fishermen. 

Interview with Norris Price in Chauvin, Louisiana.

Jodie Avail and Jay Thornhill discusses the origin and history of Dupuy’s Oyster Shop. They talk about the diversification of the menu and the oyster dealers.

Margaret Curole is a retired shrimp fisherman and a commercial fishing advocate from Galliano, Louisiana. She is of Cajun ethnic background. Curole did not come from a fishing heritage, but entered the industry after marrying a fisherman. Her husband's family has a long history in the Galliano area. Curole and her husband lived in a Louisiana marsh trapping camp where they engaged in shrimp fishing. Her husband quit his job the day before their daughter was born to build his first boat. Curole has been actively involved in commercial fishing advocacy.

Randall Hillier, born in 1927 in Lamaline, Newfoundland, is a retired fisherman with a rich history in the industry. He grew up in a fishing family where his father owned a 36-foot boat and used a cod trap to catch fish. At the age of eighteen, Hillier left home and worked in St. John’s for a couple of years before moving to Ontario, Canada. In 1950, he moved to Fairhaven, Massachusetts to join his brother and sister. After working on the shore for a year, he began his fishing career in 1951, initially focusing on scalloping.

Steve Cassidy is an 85-year-old self-taught diver of white ethnicity. He began his career as a lifeguard at Horseneck Beach in 1955, where he was involved in several rescue operations. Cassidy's interest in diving began around this time, and he soon transitioned from lifeguarding to diving. He is a self-taught diver who learned the ropes of the profession through hands-on experience and by learning from others in the field. Cassidy partnered with Robert Douglas Ripley, a navy diver, and together they started a diving business.

Thomas Quintin Jr. is a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, born in 1961 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He has spent his life in the fishing industry, working his way up from deckhand to captain. Quintin is a self-proclaimed “dinosaur” in the industry, struggling to remain viable against the growing corporate fishing industry. He has been a captain for 21 years, but has also worked as a deckhand and a mate on various boats. Quintin is currently employed by Quinn Fisheries, which owns five boats.

Francisco Ferreira is a seasoned fisherman based in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born in Portugal, Ferreira immigrated to the United States with his family in 1981 when he was still a baby. His father and grandfather were both fishermen, and Ferreira followed in their footsteps, starting his fishing career at the young age of thirteen. Over the years, he has worked on various fishing vessels and has gained a deep understanding of the fishing industry.

James William Lawler, born on February 26, 1960, in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, is a seasoned fisherman and owner of a shipyard. Raised in a small fishing village called Renews, about sixty miles south of St. John's. Lawler comes from a long line of fishermen, with his family's involvement in the industry spanning several generations. His early years were spent fishing for cod from small, open boats, a practice that was later replaced by crab fishing in the mid-80s.

James Ulysses Carter is an 82-year-old African American male born in Northern County, Virginia. He is a retired commercial fisherman and a musician with the Northern Neck Chantey Singers. Carter's career in the fishing industry began after he completed the eleventh grade. He became a captain in 1963 and served in that role for two years before returning to the position of mate. He retired from fishing in 1989.

Wanda Fulford was born on March 23, 1933, in Cortez, Florida, to Elizabeth and James Jones.  James was a commercial fisherman.  The family moved to Englewood then to Stump Pass for a while so her father could fish for Mullet.  Her mother returned to Cortez with the family shortly, leaving James in Stump Pass.  Wanda had a sister and two brothers.  She left school with a year and a half to go to work.  Wanda worked at various jobs.

Hedy Bennett is the wife of offshore lobsterman, Paul Bennett, who was also interviewed as part of this oral history of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I. Mrs. Bennett is the land-based partner in the work and way of life she and her husband share. She conveys what it means to be the wife of a commercial lobsterman and describes what makes the family life of a young fishing family both special and demanding. Mrs. Bennett delves into the many changes that have taken place in the offshore lobster industry since she's been involved in it.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Philip Ruhle began his work in the fishing industry during the 1940's. At that time, he was primarily involved in seasonal inshore fisheries in the waters off New York City and Long Island. His manuscript is a rich source of information on the abundance of inshore species in that area which made the way of life of inshore fishermen possible at that time. During the 1950's, Mr. Ruhle gillnetted mackeral from Long Island to Virginia. He went on to work in several other fisheries, including dragging and Scottish seining. Mr.

Richard Allen is Vice President of Atlantic Offshore Fisherman's Association which acts on behalf of offshore fishermen and lobstermen in fisheries management deliberations. Major issues of concern to A.O.F.A are conservation, establishment of a countervailing duty on Canadian codfish, offshore oil exploration, and gear conflicts. Mr. Allen's manuscript contains important information pertaining to the fishing industry on a local, national, and international level.

Manly Gray was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1922. "Too big to go to school" in the eighth grade, he obtained work sorting fish in a Gloucester fish house. Mr. Gray worked in the fishing industry from that time until his death in the summer of 1987. He recollects the way of life of a Gloucester fishing family during the Depression and describes the various fisheries which comprised the Gloucester fishing industry at that time. He includes fascinating stories about dory fishermen who worked the Grand Banks and the depletion of certain Grand Banks fish species.

Kevin Tuttle has worked extensively on offshore draggers since his graduation from the University of Rhode Island's Fisheries School. His manuscript is filled with information about the work of fishing, life at sea, boats and equipment, safety, offshore fishing grounds, species sought by draggers, marketing, and fishing as a dangerous occupation. Mr. Tuttle has thoughtful insights concerning depletion and conservation and speaks at length about the relationship between fishermen, biologists, and government officials and how they affect the fishing industry.

James Violet worked as an inshore lobsterman in Newport for much of his working like. Of Greek lineage, he learned his trade from Greek lobstermen who came to Newport from Skiathos, Greece. Mr. Violet reminisces about those Greeks who were an important and colorful part of Newport's waterfront. In addition, Mr. Violet describes the Newport fishing industry during the 1930's, the 1938 Hurricane, overfishing, the 200 mile limit, and the impact of tourism and development on the fishing industry in Newport. On page 6 his transcript (page 12 of the pdf), he references making a list of names.

Christopher Lutyens began his work in the lobster industry in Southwest Harbor, Maine at age sixteen. He came to Newport one year later after reading an article about Newport's offshore lobster industry in the magazine, National Fisherman. Mr. Lutyens has worked in both the inshore and offshore lobster industries in Newport. He offers valuable information about the work of lobstering, lobster boats and equipment, lobster grounds, catch size, and the condition of the lobster stocks. He expresses concerns about the future of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I.

Manuel Silvia served as president and spokesman for Fishermen in Newport (F.I.N.) and played an important role in the establishment of the State Fish Pier in Newport by the state of Rhode Island in 1985. Mr. Silvia's manuscript contains valuable information concerning changes in Newport harbor, and the impact of tourism, yachting and development on the fishing industry. In addition to his work as president of F.I.N., Mr. Silvia worked extensively on offshore draggers and lobster boats during the 1960's and 1970's. He now works as an inshore lobsterman in Newport.

Paul Bennett is the husband of Hedy Bennett, who was also interviewed as part of this oral history of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I. Mr. Bennett has worked in the offshore lobster industry in Newport since the early 1970's and owns his own boat, Hedy-Brenna. He provides a detailed account of his work in the offshore lobster industry, comparing the industry of the 1970's with that of the 1980's. Mr.

Interview with Leoda Besson Bladsacker in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

When you go into another man's territory you've got to fish like he does. You've got to learn to fish like they fish or you won't catch nothin'. Everybody learns. Every community fishes different.

John McDonald and his brother, James, have worked together as fishermen on their day dragger, a Natator, since 1948. Prior to that time, Mr. McDonald spent his childhood on the water catching eels and scalloping. During the 1940's he had extensive experience swordfish harpooning off Martha's Vineyard, Point Judith, and Block Island. Swordfish were abundant in those waters then. Now they are seldom spotted. Mr.

"My grandfather was a fisherman. His father was a whaler." Stephen Fougere learned to become a fisherman from his father, a day dragger in Newport, R.I. Mr. Fougere left school at age sixteen to go fishing and became a captain of a fishing boat by age eighteen. He provides detailed information about the fishing industry in Newport R.I. from the 1930's to the present -- the various fisheries which have comprised the industry, the people involved in it, boats and equipment used, grounds fished, and changes that have taken place which continue to affect the industry in important ways. Mr.

Raymond Palombo was one of the first lobstermen to realize lobster pots could be utilized successfully offshore on the continental shelf lobster grounds. Because of Newport's close proximity to those grounds, its offshore lobster industry grew quickly during the 1970's. Mr. Palombo was part of that lucrative growing industry. Raymond Palombo was involved in the fishing industry during all of his working life. He had extensive experience working in inshore and offshore fisheries outside of Boston.

Mr. Mendonsa's transcript contains 4 interviews from 1/30/1987, 1/4/1987, 2/10/1987, and 2/11/1987. George Mendonsa was born in Newport, R.I. in 1923. His father came to Newport from Madeira, Portugal in 1910 and supported his family by working as a trap fisherman. He passed on his knowledge and pride in his work to his son, George, who has worked in the floating fish trap industry in Rhode Island waters for his entire life. George Mendonsa's manuscript is an important document of the floating fish trap industry in Newport, R.I. from the 1940's to the present.

Mr. Mendonsa's transcript contains 4 interviews from 1/30/1987, 1/4/1987, 2/10/1987, and 2/11/1987. George Mendonsa was born in Newport, R.I. in 1923. His father came to Newport from Madeira, Portugal in 1910 and supported his family by working as a trap fisherman. He passed on his knowledge and pride in his work to his son, George, who has worked in the floating fish trap industry in Rhode Island waters for his entire life. George Mendonsa's manuscript is an important document of the floating fish trap industry in Newport, R.I. from the 1940's to the present.

Mr. Mendonsa's transcript contains 4 interviews from 1/30/1987, 1/4/1987, 2/10/1987, and 2/11/1987. George Mendonsa was born in Newport, R.I. in 1923. His father came to Newport from Madeira, Portugal in 1910 and supported his family by working as a trap fisherman. He passed on his knowledge and pride in his work to his son, George, who has worked in the floating fish trap industry in Rhode Island waters for his entire life. George Mendonsa's manuscript is an important document of the floating fish trap industry in Newport, R.I. from the 1940's to the present.

Mr. Mendonsa's transcript contains 4 interviews from 1/30/1987, 1/4/1987, 2/10/1987, and 2/11/1987. George Mendonsa was born in Newport, R.I. in 1923. His father came to Newport from Madeira, Portugal in 1910 and supported his family by working as a trap fisherman. He passed on his knowledge and pride in his work to his son, George, who has worked in the floating fish trap industry in Rhode Island waters for his entire life. George Mendonsa's manuscript is an important document of the floating fish trap industry in Newport, R.I. from the 1940's to the present.

Jeanne Palombo was the wife of Raymond Palombo who was also interviewed for this oral history of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I. Because of Newport's close proximity to the offshore lobster grounds, fishermen and lobstermen relocated to Newport during the early 1970's to become part of that lucrative and growing industry. The Palombos were part of that group. Mrs. Palombo worked closely with her husband and took over their business after his unexpected death in 1987.

While she was in her early twenties, Ellen Kaplan worked in the fishing industry for approximately two years. This included work on offshore lobster boats, an offshore scallop boat, and an offshore dragger. Her manuscript contains valuable information about life and work at sea, the life style of working in the fishing industry, changes in the offshore lobster industry, and conflict between tourism, development and the fishing industry in Newport, Rhode Island.

Interview with Mark Staton in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Interview with David Richard and Kent Ledoux in Grand Chenier, Louisiana.

Interview with Dewey Lehret.

Interview with Frank Besson of Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Robert Hoy discusses his father's company and the many different shrimp drying platforms.  He also talks about shipping the shrimp to China.  He talks about his family drying fish as well.  He mentions shelling and cleaning the shrimp.

Joycelyn Hebert discusses the boat trips she took as a child to the different islands on the coast of Louisiana as well as Grand Isle.  She talks about her family's house and the school.

Interview with Kerry St. Pe, Director, Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program, in Houma, Louisiana.

Mike Bruce is a fifty-year-old commercial fisherman based in New Bedford. He was born in New Bedford on April 15, 1956, to parents who emigrated from Newfoundland in the 1940s. His father was also a fisherman, continuing a family tradition that dates back to the 1600s. Bruce is of Canadian (New Foundland), Irish, and Scottish descent. He has served in various roles on fishing vessels, including as a skipper and a mate. Bruce is currently considering retiring from the fishing industry due to the prevalence of drug use among the available crew members.

Jim Ruhle is a third-generation fisherman from Long Island, New York, born in 1948. He spent most of his life in Wanchese, North Carolina, where he continued his family's fishing tradition. Ruhle has two sons, one of whom works with him full-time, and the other part-time, making them the fourth generation in this fishing lineage. Ruhle's family has a rich history in the fishing industry, with his father pioneering the longline swordfish fishery in North Carolina. Ruhle has worked on various fishing boats, including a ninety-foot steel boat he now owns.

Dr. Leonard Roche is a retired fisherman and educator from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born into a family of Newfoundland descent, Roche has a rich history in the fishing industry, having started his career as a lumper before transitioning into roles that allowed him to represent the fishing industry in various organizations, such as Boat Owners United and the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Treaty Organization. In addition to his work in the fishing industry, Roche also had a simultaneous career in education, serving as a school principal.

Manuel “Manny” Vinagre, a retired fisherman and boat owner, was born on December 17, 1940, in Buarcos, a village in Figueira da Foz, Portugal. He began working on the water at the age of 8, unloading sardine boats in his hometown. Manny comes from a long line of fishermen, including his father, grandfather, and uncle. His father tragically lost his life at sea while on a Gloucester dragger. Manny spent ten years fishing as part of the Portuguese “White Fleet,” dory fishing for cod off the coast of Newfoundland.

Stephen Lacombe is a male lumper from New Bedford, MA. He was born in Fall River and was introduced to the profession of lumping by his stepfather, who was also a fish lumper. Stephen's brother, Ed, also worked as a lumper before becoming a firefighter in New Bedford. Stephen has been working as a lumper since he was eighteen and is currently the President of the lumpers Union. Despite initially not intending to make a career out of lumping, Stephen has been in the profession for over 25 years.

Leslie Trott is a retired fisherman of European American descent, who spent a significant part of his life fishing from the port of New Bedford. Born in New Bedford but raised in Nantucket, Trott comes from a long line of fishermen, with his father and great grandfather both having been involved in the industry. Trott began his fishing career at the age of sixteen and continued for forty-three years, with a brief stint in the merchant marine and the Army.

Marco Randazzo is a retired fisherman and rope sculptor originally from Palermo, Italy. Born in 1945, he immigrated to Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1969 following an earthquake in Italy that worsened an already difficult economy. Coming from a family of fishermen, Randazzo continued the tradition in Gloucester, often working as the "twine man" in charge of maintaining and repairing the nets on the fishing boats. In his retirement, he has taken his skill with knots and rope and creates rope sculptures of figures and religious icons, many related to his life on the sea.

The Skrmetta Family discusses canneries, seafood processing, shrimp peeling, oysters, Mavar Shrimp and Oil Company, shipyard, canning companies, shrimp drying, prohibition and dry States, and the Great Depression.

Interview with Clifford Smith in Houma, Louisiana.

Interview with Eugene Theriot.  He discusses the shrimp factory, shrimp drying platforms, ice boats, hurricanes, canneries, manila village, fur trapping, oysters, seabreeze, kerosene, prohibition, storm of 1926, and shrimp strikes.

Interview with Eugene Theriot.  He discusses the shrimp factory, shrimp drying platforms, ice boats, hurricanes, canneries, manila village, fur trapping, oysters, seabreeze, kerosene, prohibition, storm of 1926, and shrimp strikes.

Houston Foret discusses shrimp drying platforms and the sale of shrimp.  He talks about the other crops and shrimp seasons.  He tells about the different location of the platforms and how far each was from the coast.  Foret talks about other seafood markets in the area such as oysters.  He talks about the hurricanes and the levees.  He tells of people bringing whiskey into the coastal islands during prohibition.  He also discusses the canning trade and cans as well as the different types of boats and what they were used for.  He goes into detail on how to

The Karinas talk about their family's contribution to the seafood industry.  They talk about processing shrimp on the boats before shipping them to market.  They tell stories of their family members driving the shrimp to the markets and sometimes dodging the cops with their shipment.  They talk about shrimping seasons.  They talk about the shrimp market before and after WWII.  They talk about the Portuguese and their roles in the shrimp industry.  They talk about the progression of the oil industry.  They talk about hurricanes and their effect on the shrim

The Karinas talk about their family's contribution to the seafood industry.  They talk about processing shrimp on the boats before shipping them to market.  They tell stories of their family members driving the shrimp to the markets and sometimes dodging the cops with their shipment.  They talk about shrimping seasons.  They talk about the shrimp market before and after WWII.  They talk about the Portuguese and their roles in the shrimp industry.  They talk about the progression of the oil industry.  They talk about hurricanes and their effect on the shrim

The Karinas talk about their family's contribution to the seafood industry.  They talk about processing shrimp on the boats before shipping them to market.  They tell stories of their family members driving the shrimp to the markets and sometimes dodging the cops with their shipment.  They talk about shrimping seasons.  They talk about the shrimp market before and after WWII.  They talk about the Portuguese and their roles in the shrimp industry.  They talk about the progression of the oil industry.  They talk about hurricanes and their effect on the shrim

Lee tells the tale of his escape from Vietnam with his family after the war ended. He discusses being the first Vietnamese to transition to Abbeville, Louisiana for the warm climate and the strong Catholic influence. Although trained as a pilot and engineer, Lee began his life in the U.S. as a car washer, worked his way up to mechanic, and then became a top engineer for an oil company.

Jodie Avail and Jay Thornhill discusses the origin and history of Dupuy’s Oyster Shop. They talk about the diversification of the menu and the oyster dealers.

Shareen Davis is a fifty-year-old woman from Chatham, Massachusetts. She is a 13th generation Cape Codder with a rich history in the fishing industry. Davis owns a weir fishing business and provides shore support. She has also been a fisherman in the past and is a community activist. Her home port and hail port are both in Chatham, MA, specifically Stage Harbor. Davis comes from a fishing family, with her grandfather and uncles being fishermen and her mother working in the industry. She met her husband, Ernie, in a coffee shop where a group of fishermen would come in for breakfast.

Theodore (Ted) Pedersen is a retired fisherman of Norwegian descent, born in Norway and later immigrated to the United States. He spent his career as a scalloper, working out of home ports in Brooklyn, New York, and New Bedford, Massachusetts. Despite his father and grandfather both losing their lives at sea, Pedersen pursued a career in fishing, starting in scalloping with his father. He worked in various roles throughout his career, including deckhand, mate, and skipper. Pedersen retired in 1980 after 41 years in the industry.

Geno Leech is a seasoned fisherman and poet hailing from Chinook, Washington. Born in Oregon City, Oregon, Geno's early life was far removed from the sea, with his family involved in farming in the Midwest. However, a chance encounter with a merchant seaman during a hitchhiking adventure sparked his interest in seafaring. He obtained his seaman's papers and embarked on his first voyage on a T-2 Tanker in December 1969. Over the years, Geno has served on almost every type of vessel, from merchant steamers to draggers, drawing inspiration from his experiences at sea to fuel his poetry.

Pam Smith is a school teacher from Jonesport, Maine, with a rich family history tracing back to Ireland. She is the second of four siblings, with her older brother living on Beal's Island, her younger brother having lived in California and now shipping out, and her sister residing in Florida. Her husband is a fisherman, involved in various fisheries including quahogging, lobstering, scallop diving, and tuna fishing. He originally bought his boat in 1987 for gill netting, but lost his ground fish permit the same year. Despite this setback, he has managed to make a living from fishing.

Maryellen Brown, often referred to as Mary, is a resident of West Kingston, Rhode Island, living at 35 Erica Court. She is forty-nine years old and moved to Rhode Island from Connecticut when she was fourteen. Maryellen is married to a fisherman and has been involved in the fishing community since she was fifteen. She has been married for twenty-five years and has lived in her current residence for eleven years. Maryellen is also a mother to three children.

Reidar Bendiksen is a Norwegian fisherman who has been in the fishing industry since 1963. After 25 years of fishing, he transitioned into the fishing gear business, where he continues to work up to the present. James M. Dwyer Jr., also known as Jim Dwyer, has been involved in the fishing industry for the last forty-seven years. For the past twenty-two years, he has served as the Secretary, Treasurer, and Business Agent for the Local 1749, ILA, also known as the Lumpers Union.

Tracey Bowen, the wife of a fisherman, describes what it was like when her husband became a fisherman.

Project Leaders: Lisa L. Colburn and Kate E. Yentes
Date Collection Completed: On going
Location: www.voices.nmfs.noaa.gov
Geographic Location: Locations across New England

James Green hails from Burlington, Iowa, a town situated on the Mississippi River. Growing up as a "river rat," he enjoyed water skiing and catfish catching. His passion for astronomy ignited during high school when an enthusiastic chemistry teacher, Mr. Vinson, initiated an after-school astronomy class, providing access to a 12-inch refractor telescope. Green delved into astrophotography and even had his work featured in "Sky and Telescope" magazine.

Noel William Hinners, born on December 25, 1935, was a distinguished figure in the field of space exploration and geology. His career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to NASA's space programs and later at Lockheed Martin. Hinners grew up in Chatham, New Jersey, as one of eight siblings. His father worked as an insurance agent, while his mother was a homemaker. His academic journey began at Rutgers University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science in 1958.

Eileen Galloway (May 4, 1906 – May 2, 2009) was a prominent American researcher and editor, often referred to as "The Grand Dame of Space." Born as Eilene Marie Slack in Kansas City, Missouri, she later adopted the name Eileen Galloway after marrying George Galloway, an expert on Congressional workings. Galloway's career at the Congressional Research Service in the Library of Congress commenced in 1941. During the Sputnik Crisis, she gained recognition when asked by Senator Richard Russel Jr. to write a report on the impact of the Soviet Union's satellite launch.

Jack Funk was a renowned aeronautical engineer who made significant strides in the field of astromechanics and spacecraft technology. His career spanned across two of the most influential space agencies in the United States - the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Funk's work at NACA and later at NASA was marked by his innovative approach and dedication to advancing the field of aeronautics.

Dr. Wilmot N. Hess was a prominent physicist known for his extensive work in various scientific disciplines, including high-energy physics, space exploration, and atmospheric sciences. His early career was marked by his work at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, where he was involved in groundbreaking high-energy physics experiments. His expertise in this area led him to a position at Livermore, where he contributed to weapons research and innovative projects aimed at finding peaceful applications for nuclear technology.

John F. Hall, Jr. has had a distinguished career in international relations, international law, and space policy. He received his education in international relations and international law at Georgetown University and Washington and Lee University. During his studies, he spent time in Moscow, Russia, and Warsaw, Poland, focusing on his areas of interest. Before joining NASA, Hall worked for four years in the United States Senate on the staff of Senator Pete Domenici from New Mexico. He then moved to a law firm in Washington, DC, which is now known as K&L Gates LLP.

Dr. Richard Gilbrech is the Center Director at the John C. Stennis Space Center, a position he came to through a combination of his childhood fascination with the space program, his educational background, and his career path. His journey to his current role has seen him work at various NASA centers, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge in the process. Dr. Gilbrech's career at NASA has been marked by his dedication to the organization and his willingness to take risks.