Interview with Ray Swaney, Jr., son of fisherman and a high school teacher

Interview with Rich Carpenter, biologist for the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries

Robert Young hails from Hindman, Kentucky, a small town nestled in the Appalachian region known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Born into a family with deep roots in the area, Young's lineage is intertwined with the history of the region, with ancestors who have played pivotal roles in the community's development. Despite facing the personal challenge of dyslexia, Young's upbringing was marked by a strong connection to his family's past and the traditions of his hometown.

Ted Hoverson, of Sugarloaf Key, Florida, is a seasoned professional with a background in public service, having dedicated a significant portion of his career to working for the U.S. Post Office and U.S. Customs. His tenure in these roles has provided him with a unique perspective on the operational intricacies of federal agencies, particularly in the context of the Florida Keys, where he has been stationed.

Tim Daniels is a seasoned pilot and commercial fisherman whose life and career are deeply intertwined with the coastal and marine environments of Florida Bay. With years of experience navigating the skies and waters of this region, Daniels has developed a profound understanding of its natural rhythms and the delicate balance of its ecosystems.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

The Oyster Shuckers, a group of individuals from the Bayshore area, share a rich heritage rooted in the maritime traditions of Port Norris, New Jersey. Their lives are interwoven with the rhythms of the Delaware Bay, where generations have toiled in the pursuit of harvesting and processing oysters. These men and women come from diverse backgrounds, each carrying personal histories that reflect the broader narrative of the oyster industry.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

Thomas "Dusty" Welch (1920-2012) was raised in Venedig, a region known for its oyster industry, which played a significant role in the local economy and culture. His early life was deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the coastal environment, where the community's livelihood was largely dependent on the fruits of the sea. Welch's family background was steeped in the traditions of fishing, crabbing, and oystering, which were common occupations in the area. These activities not only provided sustenance and income but also shaped the social fabric of Venedig.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

Stephen Train is a seasoned commercial fisherman hailing from Long Island, Maine, a tight-knit community deeply rooted in maritime traditions. Born into a family with a rich legacy of fishing, Train has spent the majority of his life navigating the waters of the North Atlantic, harvesting the sea's bounty. His intimate knowledge of the local marine environment, coupled with years of hands-on experience, has made him a respected figure among his peers.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

This oral history is part of the West Side Stories project of the Kodiak Historical Society. West Side Stories is a public humanities and art project that intended to document the history of the west side of Kodiak Island through oral history, photography, and art. The oral histories chart the personal stories of individuals with a longtime connection to the west side of Kodiak Island, defined for the scope of this project as the area buffeted by the Shelikof Strait that stretches from Kupreanof Strait south to the village of Karluk.

Alex DeKoning, a mussel farmer based out of Bar Harbor, ME, is the son of seventh generation mussel farmers from Holland. His family has been farming mussels in the Netherlands since the 1750s. However, due to limited expansion opportunities there, they decided to explore other regions and eventually settled in Maine. DeKoning and his family run the only mussel farms in North America that farm mussels on the bottom instead of on ropes.

Ali Berlow is a graduate student at Vermont Law School from Martha's Vineyard, MA studying how the role of Atlantic herring has changed in the U.S. food system. She came to the Forum to ask fishermen for their perspectives and talks about her findings as well as how she connects marine fisheries to her work in local-regional food systems and how eaters can support fishermen.

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Anne Hayden is a senior fisheries program manager at Manomet from Brunswick, ME. She has spent over 20 years actively participating in the Maine Fishermen's Forum, engaging with fishermen and researchers to understand the pressing issues and trends in the industry. With expertise in river herring restoration and the impact of climate change on fisheries, Anne works towards finding solutions that balance the needs of fishermen, conservation efforts, and the long-term health of marine ecosystems.

Adam Mistler is an advocate for environmental conservation and collaboration between environmental nonprofits and fishing communities. As a representative of the Ocean Conservancy, he works to dispel misconceptions and build bridges with lobstermen, emphasizing their role as stewards of their livelihoods. Adam's passion lies in positive storytelling and engaging with diverse stakeholders to find common ground in addressing environmental challenges while supporting sustainable fishing practices.

Edwin and Freda McKie are experienced lobster fishermen based in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Edwin began his fishing career in 1971 and purchased his own boat and license in 1973, while Freda joined him in lobster fishing in 1982.

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John Cox, is a clam manager in Jonesboro, ME.

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Mary Beth Tooley is from Lincolnville, ME and works for the O'Hara Corporation, a family-held company that has been involved in fishing since 1906. The company initially focused on New England groundfish but had to shift its operations to the North Pacific, specifically the Bering Sea, after the Hague Line decision placed their fishing grounds in Canadian waters. The O'Hara Corporation has 11 scallop boats based in New Bedford and two herring boats based in Rockland, Maine.

Herbert Carter Jr. is a commercial shellfish harvester from Deer Isle, ME.

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John Mitchell, Joey Evangelista, Jamie Campbell, and Steven Kenney are high school students from Mount Desert Island, ME, who were part of the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries’ Eastern Maine Skippers Program as well as commercial fishermen of their own.

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Kyle Pepperman, a marine biologist at the Downeast Institute (DEI) in Jonesboro, ME. He specializes in shellfish cultivation, with a focus on growing blue mussels and clams. With expertise in hatchery techniques, he explores innovative approaches to improve clam management practices and promote sustainable aquaculture in Eastern Maine.

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Marc Hoffman is a business owner, author, and advocate for fisheries management. As the owner of M. K. Hoffman Services, he specializes in selling automotive mechanical lubricants and additives aimed at improving fuel efficiency. With his book Shell Game, Hoffman alleges that the high 2008 oil prices were caused by actions of investment banks rather than the mortgage collapse. Additionally, he actively participates in fisheries management as a member of the Atlantic States Fisheries Commission Advisory Panel. 

Jessica Echard and Rebecca Weil, from Cooperstown, NY, both work for the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety as a research assistant and research coordinator, respectively. Their main project has been working with fishermen to increase their use of lifejackets while fishing. They have focused on talking with fishermen about why they choose not to use lifejackets, what their concerns are, and how they can help improve lifejacket design to make them more appropriate for the job.

Hallie Arno, originally from New Jersey, moved to Lincolnville, Maine, and developed a strong connection to the ocean. She was a student at College of the Atlantic (COA) in Bar Harbor, ME at the time of this interview.

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Tom Duym, from Lamoine, ME, is a seasoned professional in the fisheries industry with over 45 years of experience. He has dedicated his career to marine education and the development of programs that support young people interested in the fishing industry. Through his work as a coordinator and educator, Duym has been instrumental in fostering community engagement and advocating for sustainable fishing practices in coastal towns.

Tim Sheehan a former teacher from Pembroke, ME, cofounded Gulf of Maine, Inc., a shellfish wholesaler.

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Toby Stephenson is a marine researcher and captain of the research vessel Osprey at the College of the Atlantic. With a background in whale research and a passion for marine mammal studies, Toby has dedicated his career to understanding the behavior and feeding habits of humpback, finback, and minke whales. Toby lives in Ellsworth, ME.

Steven Burns is an experienced lobster fisherman from Bar Harbor, Maine. With a lifelong dedication to his craft, he has been actively involved in the industry since the age of 12. Steven's passion for the ocean, commitment to sustainable practices, and desire to pass on his knowledge to future generations make him a respected figure in the lobster fishing community.

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Valerie Peacock is an education consultant and advocate for fishing communities from Bar Harbor, ME who is the head of the Eastern Maine Skippers Program. Valerie has experience in the fishing industry, including scalloping, lobstering, and sea sampling. 

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Heeny Yuen was born in 1926 in Hawaii. After leaving the Army, he completed his bachelors degree at the University of Michigan. He then returned to Hawaii and began a career in fisheries management at the Honolulu Lab while a graduate student. His first job was as a plankton picker. Over his long career, Heeny‘s research focus was varied with his later work focusing primarily on tuna and shark. He participated in numerous research cruises throughout his career over the vast Pacific territory. He retired in 1991 and as of this interview still lives in Hawaii.

Interview with Hazel Nishimura, Darryl Tagami, Betty Young, Marian Yong by Edward Glazier. All four interviewees are current or retired employees of the Honolulu Lab which became the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.

Hazel Nishimura grew up in Hawaii and worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service Honolulu Lab retiring as Head Librarian in 1990 after 30 years. She graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelors in History and from Case Western University with a Master's in Library Science.

James Bohnsack was born on September 3, 1947 in Flint, Michigan. He began working at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center in 1984 as a research fishery biologist. At the time of this interview in 2016, he was the Division Chief at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, a position he has held since 2004.

Jerry Wetherall was born in San Francisco. He graduated from Humboldt State University with his undergraduate degree and received his PhD at the University of Washington. His dissertation focused on salmon, downstream migration of salmon, on the Duwamish River. He served in the Peace Corps in Uganda and Kenya,and then began his career with National Marine Fisheries Service in 1974 at the Honolulu lab. Jerry has had a long and distinguished career in NOAA Fisheries and has worked all over the Pacific on a variety of topics.

Jay Burnett was born in 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Boston University, and his bachelor’s degree in Fisheries as well as his master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He spent his career in the Age and Growth Unit, ten years as the head. He participated in many survey cruises throughout the years. Mr. Burnett retired from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in 2010.

James Crossen was born in Boston in 1926 and served in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. This experience helped him during the 1,200+days he was at sea during his long career. He began his career in 1955 with the U.S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries which later became the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Jerry Prezioso was born on February 27, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York. He received his undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and his master‟s from the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography. Jerry began working at the NOAA Laboratory in Narragansett, Rhode Island in 1974 and continues to work there as an oceanographer to this day. 

James Hastie received a PhD in Resource Economics in 1987 from Oregon State University and immediately began working for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. Jim has been on the Pacific Council’s groundfish management team since 1993 and has served as co-chair from 2000 to 2003. He is currently the Program Manager for the Population Ecology Program and the Fishery Resource Analysis and Monitoring Division at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center.

Dr. Jeffrey Polovinawas born in Troy, New York on September 30, 1948. He obtained an undergraduate degree in mathematics at Carnegie Mellon University and later a Ph.D. in statistics from the University of California, Berkley. He began his career in academics teaching at the University of San Diego. He moved to Hawaii and began working at the University of Hawaii Sea Grant office. He later went to work for the National Marine Fisheries Service and has served as the Chief of Ecosystem and Oceanography Division for most of his career. At the time of this interview in 2016, Dr.

Jason Link is Senior Scientist for Ecosystem-based Management for the National Marine Fisheries Service, still sitting at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole. Dr. Link earned his B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Central Michigan University. He then received his Ph.D. from Michigan Technological University. He began his career with NOAA NMFS at the Pascagoula Lab before moving to the Woods Hole Lab.

John Sibunka was a long time employee at the Sandy Hook Lab. His career spanned from 1966 when he joined the ichthyoplankton department to 2006 when he retired. He graduated from South Maine Vocational Technical Institute and Rutgers University where he received his bachelor's degree. During his career, John served on the R/V Delaware II, R/V Albatross IV,R/V NAUVOO and the R/V Henry Bigelow. Over his 40 year career, he spent an average of 100 days at sea per year.

Kenneth Sherman was born on October 6, 1932 and was raised in Boston, Massachusetts.In his early years, he would spend time with his father at the local Boston Fish Pier to observe the fishermen. He graduated from Suffolk University with the idea of attending law school. A mentor guided him towards biological sciences so he applied to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He taught in western Massachusetts for the Audubon Society before he began his career at the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries in 1956.

Dr. Joseph Powers was born on February 19, 1949 in Gustine, California. He has earned degrees from the University of California, Davis A.B. Zoology 1971; California State University, Humboldt M.S. Fisheries Biology 1973 ; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University PhD Fisheries Science 1975. He began his career with National Marine Fisheries Service at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in 1975. He then moved to the Southeast Fisheries Science Centers in 1979.

Linda Despres was born in Brunswick, Maine and grew up on her father’s boat with her brothers learning about tuna fishing and how to navigate the sea. This ignited a passion for marine wildlife as well as being outdoors exploring nature. She graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in zoology with a minor in wildlife biology. She began working at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in 1973.  She logged over 1,200 days at sea on the Albatross IV as well as many days at sea on foreign fleet vessels.

Interview contains discussions of: NOAA, NMFS, ecology, marine science, fisheries science, commercial fishing, recreational fishing, ocean modeling, habitats, climate change, winter flounder, Magnuson Stevens Act. 

Kurt Fresh was born in 1953. He attended the University of the Pacific for his undergraduate degree and received his Master's in Fisheries Science from the University of Washington in 1979. He began his career at the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1978. He moved to the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in 2002. Kurt’s focus has long been on salmon life histories and ecology as well as estuarine habitats. At the time of this interview, he was the Estuarine and Ocean Ecology Program Manager at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center.

Linda Rhodes was born in Fort Eustis, Virginia in 1952. Linda moved to the Seattle coast in 1974. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Washington in 1993. Linda has done work as a histopathologist and zoologist. She began working for the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in 1976 and has been a microbiologist since 2007. She enjoys in her leisure time participating in citizen science projects in her county. As of this interview, Linda lives on Whidbey Island, Washington.

Linda Park is a research geneticist at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, Washington. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences and genetics from Cornell University and a PhD in population biology from Washington University in St. Louis. She has worked for NOAA for 26 years, and is currently the team leader of the molecular genetics laboratory.

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.

The interviewee is a seasoned participant in the fishing industry with a rich familial background in both fishing and farming. His roots trace back to Sweden, where he garnered initial experience in fishing before immigrating to the United States. Settling in Cape May, New Jersey, he witnessed and adapted to significant transformations within the industry, including the shift from wooden to steel vessels and the evolution of fishing techniques and gear.

The narrator was born in Norway and immigrated to the United States at the age of twelve. They initially settled in New Bedford, where they fished for nearly 20 years. In 1976, the narrator moved to Cape May and started operating an 88-foot 'eastern rig' vessel for scalloping. At that time, there were only 3 or 4 full-time scallopers in Cape May.

 Dr. Randolph “Randy” L. Ferguson was born in Wisconsin along the shores of Lake Michigan and
spent his formative years there.

 During his mid-teens the family moved to New York; there, he enrolled in Cornell University and graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor’s Degree concentrating in Environmental Sciences.

 He entered graduate school at Florida State University in Tallahassee and received his Ph.D. from FSU in 1971; his dissertation dealt with the effects of light and temperature on the growth and productivity of phytoplankton.

John McDonald, a native of Cortez, Florida, has a rich history rooted in the local fishing industry. Born into a family of fishermen, McDonald learned the trade from his father, spending his formative years on the waters around Mullet Key. His upbringing in Cortez was marked by a close connection to the sea and the community's maritime traditions. Seeking to broaden his horizons, McDonald enlisted in the Navy, where he acquired technical education and embraced the opportunity to travel.

Kapua Wall Heuer was born February 1, 1912 in Kainaliu, Kona, Hawai'i. She was the youngest child of Allen Wall and Christina Lilinoe Roy Wall. Heuer's maternal grandparents were William F. Roy, a Scotsman who arrived in Hawai'i in 1860, and Eliza Davis Roy, a native Hawaiian. Together, they took up ranching in Kona. Growing up in Waihou, an area mauka of Kainaliu town, Heuer lived the ranching lifestyle. She rode horses, and learned to rope, herd, and ship cattle. Beginning in 1918, Heuer spent most of her time in Honolulu attending Punahou School.

James Yamamoto, born in 1936, hails from Terminal Island, California. His early life was shaped by the local Japanese fishing community and his father's grocery store. The onset of World War II marked a period of upheaval for Yamamoto and his family, as they were subjected to internment along with many other Japanese Americans. This experience had a profound impact on his family's ship chandlery business. Post-war, Yamamoto witnessed and adapted to the evolution of communication within the shipping industry.

John Campbell, a resident of Cortez, Florida, has spent his life engaged in the profession of fishing, a trade that runs deep in his family lineage. His career on the water is not only a testament to his personal dedication but also serves as a living history of the fishing industry's evolution. Prior to his full immersion into fishing, Campbell served in the Army, an experience that stands as a distinct chapter in his life.

Elizabeth Nozicka is not a fisherman but comes from a fishing family in Monterey and her family is greatly involved in commercial fishing over all over the world. Majority of her family and ancestors are from Sicily, while her husband is from Czech Republic. Mrs. Noricka shares the difficulties that her family suffered and still faces in the fishing industry especially with regulations and marine protected areas. Also, she explains how frustrating and difficult it is to stay in commercial fishing with regulations changing all the time.

Greg Young is an impassioned fisherman drawn to fishing by "destiny." He comes from a restaurant background which he has continued through the establishment of Sandabs, a seafood restaurant in Scott's Valley, CA. Mr. Young emphasizes the importance of a strong fishermen-sanctuary relationship because, as he explains, he and other fishermen care about healthy fish populations as much as conservationists do. Mr.

David Crabbe is a wetfish fisherman, also known as squid fisherman. He explains the complicated practice behind squid fishing starting from the preparation of the boat to the knitting of torn nets; he also shares his fishing experience. He is a first generation fisherman in Monterey Bay, been fishing for more than 25 years, started fishing in high school and worked his way up to earn his first boat. He explains the different type of corks that are used to suspend the net up in surface water.

Originally from a small fishing community on the east coast, Alan Lovewell came to California for school, and soon realized most Californians were not eating seafood from California. Understanding the importance of connecting the local fishing industry to the Monterey Bay community, Alan and his business partner started Local Catch Monterey, a community supported fishery (CSF). Local Catch Monterey has relationships with many of the local fishermen in the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and delivers local, fresh, sustainable seafood to consumers on a weekly basis.

David Pierce was born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Being from New Bedford, he had an interest in the ocean and the fisheries from a young age. He received his bachelors from SMU (Southeastern Massachusetts University) now University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He also received his Master's in Marine Biology from SMU in 1982. He received his PhD from University of Massachusetts Boston in 1996. He began working for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in 1972.

Interview with Hazel Nishimura, Darryl Tagami, Betty Young, Marian Yong by Edward Glazier. All four interviewees are current or retired employees of the Honolulu Lab which became the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.

Donna Wieting currently serves as the Director of the Office for Protective Resources at NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. She has a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s in Marine Science from Louisiana State University. She has been at the agency since 1989 in various roles. 

Dr. Doug Lipton is currently the Senior Research Economist at NOAA Fisheries and a member of the Council of NOAA Fellows. He has a Bachelor’s in Biology from Stony Brook University, a Master’s in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary, and a PhD in Agriculture and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland. He started with the National Marine Fisheries Service as a Sea Grant Fellow in 1979 and was hired by NMFS as a fishery biologist before returning to school for economics. He also worked for Sea Grant as the national economics coordinator.

Chris Boggs is a Supervisory Fisheries Research Biologist and the Director of the Fisheries Research and Monitoring Division at the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center [PIFSC] in Honolulu, Hawaii. He received his B.S. in Biology at the University of Hawaii Manoa. He received his Master's in Oceanography and Limnology as well as his PhD. in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin Madison. He began working at the Honolulu Laboratory in 1985 before it became the PIFSC.  He has spent the early part of his career studying tuna.

Clyde MacKenzie completed his undergraduate studies at University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1955 and his master's degree in 1958. He began working for the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries in 1958, spending 14 years at the Milford Laboratory. While there, his research focus was on predation control in the development of oyster hatcheries. He has spent his entire career working with shellfish and their habitats.

Marine Biologist and Computer Sciences expert Dave Hamm was born in Minnesota in 1949. His father was in the Air Force and he traveled all throughout his childhood. He started college in Orlando, Florida and then went on to earn his Bachelors of Science at the University of West Florida, specializing in biology with a minor in statistics and mathematics. He went to graduate school at the University of South Florida and studied Computer Sciences. This allowed him work with both fishery management and database management within and for fisheries.

David Packer received his undergraduate degree in zoology from Ohio State University. He started to become interested in marine biology and received his Master’s degree from the University of Maine in 1988. He is the editor of Essential Fish Habitat and studies deep sea corals.

Interview contains discussions of: Grain size analysis, dump site project, deep sea corals, benthic communities, EFH, species source documents, stock assessment, and ecosystem based management, Gulf of Maine deep sea coral, research cooperation between NOAA line offices.

David McClellan was born on August 18, 1949 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He worked for NOAA at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center as a Fisheries Research Biologist for 37 years, conducting countless dives to gather data on the fisheries.

Interview contains discussion of: Southeast Fisheries Science Center, collecting fisheries data, NOAA divers, evolution and effect of data collection technology, benefits and disadvantages for working for a government agency, Reef Fish Visual Census Program.

Dr. Richard McBride earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Eckerd College, his Master’s in Oceanography from Stonybrook University, and his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers University. He worked at the Florida Marine Research Institute beginning in 1994. In 2006, he joined the Northeast Fisheries Science Center at Woods Hole where, as of this interview in 2016, he currently works as the Chief of the Population Biology Branch.

Dr. Patricia Clay is a fisheries anthropologist with the Social Science Branch of NOAA, where she has worked since 1993. She has a B.A. in Anthropology and Modern Languages from Notre Dame, and a PhD in Anthropology from Indiana University. She works with the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole, Massachusetts from the NMFS headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Paul Rago is a National Marine Fisheries Service biologist. He was born in 1952 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and later studied at University of Michigan as well as Colorado State University where he received his master’s degree. Later, he earned his Ph.D. and dedicated much of his life to fishery science.

Interview contains discussions of: power plants, striped bass, preservation of fish species in the Great Lakes, nuclear energy, fishing yield.

Paul Rago's interview reviews his career path and his work.

Dr. Rebecca Lent knew she would study economics in college after taking a course in high school. She obtained her Bachelor degree in Economics from University of California San Diego and her Master’s degree from San Diego State. After graduation, she worked at Oregon State University in the economics of the salmon industry. While there, she pursued a Ph.D. in Marine Economics graduating in 1984. Dr. Lent worked in academia for 10 years in Quebec before beginning her career at NOAA Fisheries in 1992.

Born in 1926, Ray Fritz grew up in Detroit, Michigan and attended Michigan State College. He graduated in 1953 with a Bachelors in Biology and Zoology. He began his career with the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries as a biologist at the Woods Hole Lab in 1956. During his time in Woods Hole, he spent time at-sea on the R/V Albatross III and R/V Albatross IV. He served as Chief Scientist on both vessels. In the late 1960's, he moved to Headquarters in Washington where he worked with the Federal Aid Program and served as Chief of Law Enforcement for National Marine Fisheries Service. Mr.

Patricia Gerrior was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts and grew up in Weymouth, Massachusetts where she would spend time on the water with her father which led to her interest in marine science. She studied Biology at Colby College in Waterville, Maine and began her 40 year career during her junior year in college with the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries which became NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service.

Richard Langton grew up north of Boston. He studied at Northeastern University and later earned his Master's degree and Ph.D. in marine biology at the University College of North Wales in the United Kingdom. Langton completed a post-doc aquaculture project in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was then hired by the Federal government at Woods Hole. He worked in Maine as the Bureau Director of the lab in Boothbay Harbor and started a non-profit company in Tobago. He returned to work for the NMFS again at Sandy Hook and is editor of Fishery Bulletin.

Phillip Levin was born in Champaign, IL in 1962. He studied at the University of Texas receiving his Bachelor's in Zoology. During college, a fish class led to his interest in marine biology and field work. After teaching marine science at a San Antonio high school, he attended the University of New Hampshire where he received his PhD in Zoology. He then was an Assistant Professor at Texas A & M before he joined NOAA Fisheries at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in 1999 as a Research Fisheries Biologist.

Dr. Peter Lawson earned his Bachelor’s degree at Evergreen State College, and his Master’s and Ph.D. in Stream Ecology at Idaho State University. Dr. Lawson was a field ornithologist in northeastern Mexico, studying in particular parrots and peregrine falcons. After earning his graduate degrees he joined the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife using modeling to study Coho salmon.

Don Dvorak, a native of Hawaii, has a background that includes service in the Navy and a career in electronics. His professional journey eventually led him to marine technology. Don's interest in underwater photography and the marine field has been a significant aspect of his career. Elaine Dvorak, originally from Washington, D.C., relocated to California, where she became engaged in sailing and commercial fishing. Her involvement with Cordell Expeditions was multifaceted, including navigation, provisioning, cooking, and specimen sorting and preservation.

Howard Pickerell is a boat builder with a specialization in constructing traditional Garvey and Sharpie boats. His career is marked by a deep understanding of the unique features and construction procedures of these boats, which have evolved over the years. Pickerell's work is not only a reflection of his craftsmanship but also a testament to his connection with the maritime heritage. His clientele has varied as the demand for commercial fishing boats has declined, indicating a shift in the boat-building industry.

Roger Salisbury is a seasoned commercial fisherman with nearly five decades of experience in the waters of Half Moon Bay, California. His journey into the fishing industry began post-graduation with a degree in mechanical engineering when he faced challenges securing employment in his field. This led him to purchase a small skiff and, subsequently, a commercial fishing license in 1971. Over the years, Salisbury has dedicated over 40 years to fishing for California Halibut, evolving his methods from gillnets to trammel nets and trawling.

Giuseppe Pennisi, a resident of San Francisco, is a seasoned fisherman with deep familial ties to the fishing industry. His lineage in the profession can be traced back to his grandfather, who was adept in the use of Paranzella nets for the capture of halibut and flatfish. Pennisi's formative years were spent on fishing boats, where he gained firsthand experience in the trade. Over the years, he has observed a transformation within the fishing sector, marked by a downturn in local fish processing businesses.

Nancy Call is a descendant of Phineas Banning, a prominent figure in the history of Los Angeles' harbor development. Her lineage traces back to Banning, who was instrumental in the founding of Wilmington and played a significant role in the growth of transportation in the region. Call's familial connection extends through the generations, with Banning's sons continuing the transportation legacy and expanding into areas such as the acquisition of Catalina Island.

Ian Roberts is a seasoned fisherman based in Crescent City, California, with a lineage rooted in the fishing industry. His initiation into fishing traces back to his early years, influenced by his father's profession. Throughout his career, Roberts has engaged in a diverse array of fisheries, including crab, salmon, pink shrimp, bottom trawl, herring, and Dungeness crab. Notably, his fishing ventures are a family affair, with his son accompanying him in the trade.

Kyle Pemberton is a fisherman from Half Moon Bay, California, with a history of fishing that traces back to his early years spent with his father. Pemberton's career in fishing has seen him progress from an apprentice on the waters to the owner of his own fishing vessel. His professional activities span a range of fisheries, including those for Dungeness crab, California salmon, California halibut, and West Coast groundfish. Pemberton's expertise in trawling was honed through a process of trial and error, supplemented by insights and assistance from fellow local fishermen.

Born into a lineage of fishermen, Kenny Reinertsen has spent a lifetime navigating the waters in pursuit of California Halibut. His career, deeply rooted in tradition, has been a testament to the enduring nature of the fishing industry. Reinertsen's journey has been marked by a series of adaptations to the ever-changing conditions of the sea and the fishery. He has developed a keen sense for the influence of weather on fishing outcomes and has honed his skills in utilizing various gear and tactics to optimize his catch.

Rick Risso, a resident of Santa Cruz, California, embarked on his career in fishing during his youth. With nearly two decades of experience, he has become a seasoned participant in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery. His professional pursuits primarily involve the capture of halibut and Dungeness crab. Risso's workday commences at the early hour of 3 am, followed by a lengthy journey to the fishing grounds and culminates with the delivery of his catch to a fish buyer.

Art Almeida was born on December 27, 1928, in San Pedro. His mother came to the United States from Ciudad Guerrero in northern Mexico when she was about six years old. His father, born in Santa María de Los Angeles in Jalisco, came to the US in 1909 and married Art's mother around 1917 in Morenci, Arizona. Art's father was a hacendado from the landed gentry, and his mother's family crossed the border into Morenci, Arizona. Art's father was a kindly man, about six feet tall, fair-skinned, and articulate.