David Fraine is a seasoned maritime professional with a career spanning over 25 years on the MV Liberty and MV Freedom Star. His role as the first officer on these unique vessels was instrumental in the operation of the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) recovery ships. Fraine's experience extends beyond the helm, as he was also responsible for maintaining the ships in the challenging tropical climate of the Florida coast. His duties included the cross-training of crew members, ensuring a versatile and adaptable team.

Dr. Jack Kaye stands as a prominent figure in the field of Earth System Science, particularly within the context of NASA's mission to understand and protect our home planet. His career, marked by a series of leadership roles, reflects a deep commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of Earth's complex environmental systems. As the Associate Director for Research of the Earth Science Division at NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Dr. Kaye has been instrumental in guiding research that spans the gamut from atmospheric chemistry to land-use changes.

Alan Ladwig is a seasoned space industry professional whose career at NASA began in 1981 when he joined as a program manager for the Shuttle Student Involvement Project. His entry into NASA was facilitated by his advocacy for college student engagement in aerospace through a student organization and a pivotal meeting with Dr. Glenn Wilson, a figure associated with the Senate Aerospace Committee and NASA's education division. Ladwig's leadership in the Shuttle Student Involvement Project, which aimed to launch college student experiments aboard the Space Shuttle, was a notable success.

Joseph Philip Loftus, Jr. is a distinguished figure whose career has been marked by significant contributions to the United States Air Force and NASA. Before his tenure at NASA, Loftus served in the Air Force, where he honed his skills in technical and systems engineering. His military service laid a strong foundation for his later work in the civilian space sector. Transitioning from the Air Force to NASA, Loftus brought with him a wealth of experience and expertise. At NASA, he was a part of the Systems Engineering Division and the Space & Life Sciences Directorate.

Sarah Garcia is the Community Development Director and Harbor Planning Director for the City of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Sarah Garcia was interviewed to document the experience of Gloucester, Massachusetts in completing an economic assessment to better understand the economic contribution of waterfront activities. Ms. Garcia discusses the history of Gloucester, the long standing polarization around waterfront issues, and the harbor planning effort which included the economic assessment.

Interview with Lindsey Parker born on December 18, 1956 in Atlanta, Georgia. Parker teaches at the University of Georgia as a Marine Resource Specialist and worked on TED development.

Interview with Gary Graham (born in 1946), a retired professor at Texas A & M and marine fisheries specialist with Texas Sea Grant. Graham also served as Gulf Regional Coordinator for the Gulf and South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation and worked as a shrimper. Graham discusses his involvement in the industry from the early 1980's onward doing educational outreach to industry professionals. Collected data on how TEDs perform while on offshore test voyages using early NMFS TEDs. Other Topics: industry perception of TEDs, cannonball, jellyfish shooters, Georgia Jumper Morrison, TED

Interview with Noah Saunders, born September 21, 1963 in Biloxi, MS. Saunders was a gear manufacturer who invented the Supershooter TED in collaboration with National Marine Fisheries Services.

John Mitchell was born October 29, 1955, in Chicago Heights, Illinois.  He is a Unit Leader for the Harvesting Systems Unit, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fishery Science Center, Mississippi Laboratories. Mitchell started out working as a fisheries technician at the Pascagoula laboratory in 1981, working as a fisheries observer on Japanese longliners that were fishing in the Gulf of Mexico for tuna. He would ride the boats for months. He would sometimes transfer from one boat to another at sea.

Paul Raymond was born December 11, 1955 in Augsburg, Germany.  He is an Assistant Special Agent with NOAA Law Enforcement.

Interview with John Watson, born May 23, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA. At the time of the interview he was retired from NOAA Fisheries and working as a consultant. He had been Director of the Mississippi Laboratories in Pascagoula, Mississippi overseeing all of the lab operations.

Interview with Michael Weber, born November 2, 1949 in Hawthorne, California.  At the time of the interview, Weber was a program officer for the Resources Legacy Fund.  In this interview, he discusses aspects of sea turtle conservation and issues surrounding the implementation of bycatch reduction devices. Redondo Beach

Earl Watkins, a Kansas native, retired as president and CEO of the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation (Sunflower) in 2012 having served in that role since 2004. Prior to becoming president and CEO, Watkins served as Sunflower’s general counsel. Before he began his career at Sunflower, Watkins was in the private practiced of law, co-founding the firm of Watkins Calcera, Chtd. in Great Bend, KS. Watkins attended the University of Kansas obtaining his undergraduate and law degrees there.

A former city councilman for Newport Beach, California and operator of a sport and commercial fishing fleet comments on the Newport Beach fishing industry. Owner of Forgit’s Hardware Store on Balboa Boulevard from 1953 until his death.

Charles Brock, born in Lobelia, Pocahontas County, worked as a wildlife manager with the Department of Natural Resources, focusing on game management and habitat improvement. Arlene Brock, originally from Huttonsville, is part of a large family of nine girls and six boys. The couple raised a family of seven sons and seven daughters, and their lives have been marked by extensive travel and experiences in various locations, including New Mexico, Texas, and Florida. 

O.H. 75: Thomas, T.A. (1907-1973) Interviewed by Charmaine Tichenor November 30, 1968; December 3, 1968; and December 10, 1968 An associate of the Western Canners Company in Newport Beach, Thomas comments on the rise and decline of commercial fishing and canning industries in Southern California. Final transcript, photographs, maps, and charts available.

There are three sessions for this interview: November 30, 1968; December 3, 1968; December 10, 1968. Please visit our Web site for more information: http://coph.fullerton.edu/

Arthur James McFadden was born in 1881, the son of an Orange County pioneer family.  He was a graduate of Santa Ana High School, Pomona College, and Harvard Law School.  Mr. McFadden was in private practice for two years, then heeded his physician’s advice and changed to ranching.  He became a skilled producer of citrus, persimmons, avocados and walnuts.  Mr. McFadden was considered instrumental in the orderly growth of marketing agricultural products throughout the state.

Arthur James McFadden was born in 1881, the son of an Orange County pioneer family.  He was a graduate of Santa Ana High School, Pomona College, and Harvard Law School.  Mr. McFadden was in private practice for two years, then heeded his physician’s advice and changed to ranching.  He became a skilled producer of citrus, persimmons, avocados and walnuts.  Mr. McFadden was considered instrumental in the orderly growth of marketing agricultural products throughout the state.

Captain John Callahan was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1944. His family moved to New Jersey, where he attended St. Joseph’s Grammar School and graduated from Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, in 1961. John was the first in his family to attend college. He went to the State University of New York Maritime College and graduated with a degree in marine engineering before earning his law degree from Catholic University in 1971. Captain Callahan started his career as a naval architect/marine engineer for M.

Rear Admiral William Stubblefield was born and raised in Medina, Tennessee.  He attended Memphis State University and graduated in 1962 with a major in secondary education and a minor in chemistry.  After graduation, Stubblefield was commissioned in the United States Navy and attended Naval Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island.  He served on a minesweeper and ice breaker at sea, operating all over the globe.

Tom Karl was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1951 and grew up in the suburbs, observing and predicting the weather using homemade instruments with his father.  He attended Northern Illinois University and graduated in 1973 with a major in meteorology and a minor in mathematics.  He attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin and studied under Werner Schwerdtfeger.  After a brief TV/Radio weather forecasting position at the beginning of his career Tom joined the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 1975.

Suzanne Tully McCarthy was born in 1936 in Roanoke, Virginia. She is of English, Scottish, Northern European, Scandinavian, and Germanic descent, with her maternal grandparents, Emma Row Arbenz and Herman Leonard Arbenz, hailing from Wheeling, West Virginia. Her paternal grandparents were Mary Clarcia Jarrell and Richard Grant Tully, with roots in West Virginia and Virginia. Suzanne pursued her education in mathematics, earning a B.A. from the College of William and Mary in 1957. She furthered her studies with an M.S. in numerical analysis from Johns Hopkins University in 1975.

Dr. Lixion Avila is a renowned meteorologist who has made significant contributions to the field of weather forecasting. Born on November 25, 1950, in Havana, Cuba, Avila grew up in an American church, celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving. His family history traces back to Spain on his father's side and Eastern Europe on his mother's side. Avila's father held various jobs, one of which was a cowboy, transporting cattle from Central Cuba to Havana. Growing up in the Caribbean, he encountered and became fascinated with tropical storms.

Tim is a native of Tampa, Florida and the son of school teachers. He graduated from Florida State University in Marine Biology. Earning two graduate degrees at Louisiana State University, he was awarded a Fellowship in the NOAA Sea Grant Program and worked as a staffer in the U.S. Senate. He added another four years of Senate staff experience before joining the Washington office of Asea Brown Boveri (ABB Inc) Corporation, a manager in public, private infrastructure contacts and projects. Tim rejoined NOAA when offered a position in it’s headquarters offices.

On May 19, 2020, Molly Graham interviewed Albert “Benjie” Spencer as part of the NOAA Heritage Oral History Project. Spencer retired in 2024 as the Chief Engineer and Director of Engineering Standards Division for the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) in the Office of Planning and Programming for Service Delivery. His responsibilities included implementing policy, providing end-to-end system engineering oversight, assessing risks, and ensuring consistent engineering processes and standards throughout the organization.

On August 26th, 1922, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Captain Sam Baker was born to a father who had immigrated from Lithuania in 1902 at the age of 15 and a mother who hailed from Louisville, Kentucky, born in 1900. After graduating from Clarksdale High School in June 1940, Baker pursued further studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University in August 1943. In September 1943, he enlisted in the Marines and served in Hawaii, Guam, and Guadalcanal, where Baker joined the 6th Marine Division.

Dr. Warren M. Washington is a distinguished scientist and director of the Climate and Global Dynamics division at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). He joined NCAR approximately twenty-seven years prior to the interview in 1990, making significant contributions to the field of atmospheric sciences. In addition to his work at NCAR, Washington has been involved in various external activities, including serving on the first committee to examine climate issues for the academy in the early 1970s.

William Kellogg begins by describing his first acquaintance with the NCAR concept, and his belief in the benefits of team research or big science. He notes the first retreat meeting at Keystone and offers examples of problems that required an interdisciplinary approach. He mentions chairing a group for a larger study called the "Study of Critical Environmental Problems" ("SCEP" study for short), which wrote on human influences on climate, and discusses the challenges of getting scientists to work together, relating an anecdote about having to fire a dynamic meteorologist.

David Burrage was born January 7, 1953 in Hampton, Virginia. He attended Old Dominion University where he received a science degree then attended University of Rhode Island for his graduate studies in Marine Affairs. He works with the Sea Grant Extension Program in Mississippi and is an Extension Professor. David has spent over twenty years doing a service for the fishing industry in the Gulf states by making sure fisherman were aware of the Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) regulations, other upcoming regulations, and providing them with a bit of technical knowledge.

Dr. Andrew J. Kemmerer was born on February 11, 1938, in Bryan, Texas. In his early youth, Kemmerer lived in College Station, Texas, eventually moving to Tucson, Arizona at six years old.  Kemmerer spent most of his childhood at his Tucson home and quickly developed an adoration for the outdoors. He spent his summers working with the Arizona Game & Fish Department, the Parks Service, and several other employers that allowed him to work outside. In 1960, Kemmerer graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management.

Interview with Donald Baker, born on October 2, 1939 on Deer Island, Mississippi.  Baker is a shrimp fisherman who speaks about his use of TEDs, changes in the shrimping industry, equipment, fishing techniques and procedures, business aspects of operating a vessel. Other Topics: Hurricane Camille of 1947, growing up on coast, prices of fuel and supplies, profits, fish species, fisheries management

Interview with Susan Shipman, born February 4, 1954 in Dyersburg, Tennessee.  At the time of the interview, Susan was retired from her position as Director of Coastal Resources Division with the Georgia DNR and had oversight responsibility for marine fisheries as well as research, surveys and marsh/shore protection and permitting.

Thomas Schultz Jr. was born in Biloxi, Mississippi October 22, 1932. Thomas was a 3rd generation shrimper. After forty-five years of shrimping, he retired then went to work for the Mississippi State University at the coastal research experimental seafood processing plant in Pascagoula for twelve years. His first job was at a bakery where his uncle was the baker. He quit school at the age of fourteen to work on his daddy’s boat. He was involved in a summer research program at Cape Canaveral Channel tagging turtles. Later, he went to Washington D.C.

Interview with Walter Chataginer, Chief of Marine Patrol for the State of Mississippi Dept. of Marine Resources.  Interview contains information on enforcing federal TED laws, reactions toward conservation measures by the fishing industry, general information on the shrimping industry and narrator's recollections of working on shrimping vessels.

Interview with Wilber Seidel, born August 15, 1939 in Luling, Texas. At the time of the interview, Seidel was retired as Division Director of the NMFS laboratory in Pascagoula, Mississippi where he was in charge of gear research.

Interview with Sonny Morrison born in 1923 in McClellenville, South Carolina. Interview contains information on the introduction of Turtle Excluder Devices and Mr. Morrison's own experiences in the shrimp fisheries.

William Stanley "Corky" Perret was born November 22, 1942 in Cottonport, Louisiana.  He attended USL where he obtained a Master’s degree in Fishery Science. Mr.

George S. Benton was born on September 24, 1917, in Oak Park, Illinois, and was raised in Chicago. His family had a diverse background, with his mother's family originating from Edinburgh, Scotland, and his father's family immigrating from Rega to Michigan when his father was three years old. Benton's original family name was Blumenstock, but he later changed it to George Benton. Benton's early education was at the University of California at Berkeley, where he was involved with the Department of Geography. However, he did not complete his Bachelor's degree there.

Cecil E. "Chuck" Leith was a renowned physicist, mathematician, and climate modeler, born in 1923 in Boston, Massachusetts. He spent his early life in Massachusetts, attending high school in Scituate, a town south of Boston. Leith's career took a significant turn during World War II when he was drafted into the Army at the age of twenty-one. Despite his young age, he was involved in a highly classified project, the details of which he was not allowed to disclose.

Henry Van De Boogaard was born in 1923 in The Hague, Netherlands, to a family of bricklayers. He had two brothers who followed their father's trade and a younger sister. In 1938, his family gradually migrated to South Africa, with Van De Boogaard, his sister, and his mother being the last to leave. He developed an interest in meteorology from a young age, often observing the meteorological department across the road from his school and being fascinated by weather forecasts.

Harriet B. Crowe, born Harriet Barker in 1938, was raised in Mt. Cisco, New York. She was the first member of her family to attend college, a significant achievement given that neither her parents nor their siblings had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Crowe initially attended Michigan State University in 1956 with the intention of studying nursing, a decision influenced by her high school counselor who discouraged her from pursuing her original ambition of becoming a doctor.

Dave Waltman, a long-time resident of Boulder, Colorado, has had a diverse and interesting career. Born in St. Louis, he spent his early years as a suburbanite in both St. Louis and Chicago. Following in his brother's footsteps, Waltman attended Purdue University, where his father, a native Hoosier and engineer, had also studied. However, Waltman did not find engineering to his liking and transferred to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where he graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in business.

Daniel F. Rex was born on December 4, 1916, in Wichita, Kansas. His father, a physician, passed away when Rex was only six months old, leading him to be raised by his mother and maternal grandparents. His grandfather, Lloyd Farrell, a telegrapher and pioneer in Wichita, played a significant role in his upbringing and served as a father figure. Rex's early life was marked by adventure and responsibility, including a trip to Yucatan at the age of fourteen to buy 1100 head of cattle.

Douglas K. Lilly was a renowned meteorologist who had a significant impact on the field of atmospheric sciences. Although Lilly completed his undergraduate work in physics at Stanford University on a Navy ROTC scholarship, he always envisioned going into meteorology.

Oral History Interview with Horace Byers, 1987.  Interviewed by Earl Droessler. 

Copyright Information: Copyright University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Oral history interview with Karyn Sawyer, 2015. Interviewed by Richard Anthes. Forms part of the UCAR/NCAR Oral History Collection. Long-time UCAR/NCAR staff member Karyn Sawyer reflects on her decades-long career at the organization, including how she came to work for NCAR, field projects, international scientific cooperation, UCAR/NCAR administration, and her management style.

On June 20, 2011, Nancy Solomon interviewed Tom Jefferies as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History collection. Born in 1955, Jefferies is an experienced bayman who has operated out of Freeport, New York for decades. Jefferies was exposed to life on the bay from an early age; his family owned two fishing stations and a bay house that he visited during summers as a child. In this session, he provides a brief sketch of haul seining for spearing, chumming, and harvesting horseshoe crabs.

Discussion with Mary Haley, David (Dave) Brown, and Dennis Shea about the development and use of NCAR Command Language (NCL). NCL, produced by the Computational and Information Systems Laboratory (CISL) and is a free interpreted language designed specifically for scientific data processing and visualization. Topics included in this discussion also include: NCAR Graphics, netCDF, GRIB, Fortran, C, Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory, Community Climate Model, NCL workshops, PyNIO, PyNGL, MATLAB, NumPy, xarray, R, and Python.

Topics include: Mesa Lab site; time on Boulder City Council; time in Climax; Boulder's open space policy; Walter Orr Roberts; Mesa Lab construction; I.M. Pei; fund raising; HAO; Mesa Lab design; computers; roof leaks; Aspen Institute; music; the humanities and science.

Copyright Information: Copyright University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Nelder Medrud begins the interview with a discussion of his life history, education and research prior to arriving at NCAR. Medrud became acquainted with NCAR through Phil Thompson and Henry van de Boogaard while at the University of Stockholm, Sweden in the early 1960s. In the Air Force, Medrud’s specialty was applied climatology and a position opened up at NCAR focusing on applications to societal problems. The immediate focus of Medrud’s work at NCAR was on the matter of the consequences of hail to society.

Dr. John C. Calhoun was one of the early pioneers and contributors to UCAR/NCAR development. Calhoun became acquainted with UCAR and a plan for developing a national program (the “Blue Book”) while at Texas A&M University in an administrative role. Although Calhoun did not have a background in the atmospheric sciences, he brought valuable institutional perspective, experience in program development and organizational management to the table.

Topics include: how he came to be involved in meteorology; education; time in the Navy; work at MIT; American Meteorological Society; radio casting; industrial meteorology; terms as president-elect, president and past president of AMS; changes technology made to meteorology; forecasting; Center for Operational Meteorological Education and Training (COMET); UCAR; Jim Mahoney; blending meteorology with other sciences; China; Harry Geise; weather modification; Ken Spengler; NCAR.

Roland (Rol) Madden, an American meteorologist who was a staff scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) from 1967 to 2002. His research centers on diagnostic studies of the atmosphere. 

Scope and Content Note

Dr. Roy Jenne provides an overview of his career at NCAR in the computing division. Jenne discusses the Mesa Laboratory and its facilities; his recollections of the various computing systems at NCAR, starting with a Control Data 3600; the significant work NCAR did and continues to do with weather forecasting and observational data; and how creating easily accessible datasets was an important goal and achievement of his unit.

Oral history interview with Robert Fleagle, 1990. 

Copyright Information: Copyright University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Vincent J. Schaefer begins by talking about the gathering led by Tom Malone in the late 1950s to generate a plan for a center to work with problems related to the atmosphere. He describes the differences between the majority of the group, and himself and Vonnegut in philosophies, and the ultimate publication of the Blue Book in February 1959. He discusses his relationship with Walter Orr Roberts when Roberts was at the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) and later at NCAR.

On August 28, 2019, Molly Graham interviewed Anthony Gross for the Strengthening Community Resilience in America’s Oldest Seaport project. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 30, 1952, Gross moved to Gloucester, Massachusetts, at the age of three when his father accepted a position as general manager at Empire Fish Company. Gross's father, a butcher by trade, played a significant role in the Gloucester fishing community, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Dory Committee.

On August 2, 2019, Molly Graham interviewed Albert Cottone for the Strengthening Community Resilience in America’s Oldest Seaport project. Al Cottone, born on December 12, 1965, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to a Sicilian immigrant family, is a lifelong fisherman deeply connected to Gloucester's fishing traditions. His father, Frank Cottone, migrated from post-World War II Sicily to Australia and eventually to the United States, where he continued his fishing career.

On January 29, 2020, Molly Graham interviewed Philip Powell for the Strengthening Community Resilience in America’s Oldest Seaport project.  Philip Powell was born on June 11, 1965, in Woburn, Massachusetts. His family moved to Swampscott, Massachusetts, where he currently resides. Powell's father, born in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 1935, immigrated from Poland. His mother’s family came to the United States from Germany in 1941, settling in Winthrop, Massachusetts. Powell’s early life involved extensive outdoor activities, including family fishing trips and camping.

Lloyd “Wimpy” Serigne Lloyd Serigne is a retired fisherman from St. Bernard, Louisiana. He was born on March 3, 1940, to John Serigne (born on Delacroix Island, Louisiana, in 1893) and Emily Perez Serigne (born on Delacroix Island, Louisiana, about 1900). His father was a commercial fisherman. In his family of origin, Spanish was spoken, which Serigne remembers and speaks. Serigne began fishing as a child with his father, and he fished commercially on a part-time basis, in the Louisiana wetlands, throughout his life. He also worked as a professional truck driver.

Larry Ryan, a Pascagoula fisherman, discusses his career mullet-fishing, shrimping, oystering, and crabbing.

Khong Tran is a Vietnamese-American shrimper living in New Orleans. Mr. Khong Tran was born, one of nine children, on September 23, 1955, in Kien Giang Province, South Vietnam. He began fishing and shrimping with his father at the age of ten. His mother sold their catch at the local markets. In 1978 Mr. Tran escaped Vietnam by boat with friends to avoid being drafted to fight in Cambodia. He escaped with thirty to forty people toward Thailand and three months later made it to Hawaii, where he lived for one year before moving to New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1980. Mr.

Mr. Norman Yandell is a resident of Long Beach, Mississippi, a net-maker, creator of Norm Bait handmade lures, and a lifelong fisherman on the Gulf Coast. Yandell was born on August 12, 1934, in Gladewater, Texas, to Jessie Andrew Yandell and Minnie Quave Yandell (born December 25, 1918, in Poplarville, Mississippi). Yandell moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a young boy, residing with his mother and his stepfather Earl Holley (born January 1, 1916).

Mr. William W. Walker is a resident of the Gulf Coast. At the time of this interview he was Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Walker was born on September 16, 1945, in Hammond, Louisiana, to Mr. and Mrs. William Byrd Walker. Mr. Walker attended Hammond High School, Southeastern Louisiana University for his bachelor’s degree, and Mississippi State University for his master’s and doctoral degrees, graduating in 1972. He married Sharon H.

Thieu Tran is a Vietnamese-American tuna fisherman living in New Orleans. Tran was born, one of eleven children, in 1960 in Vung Tau, South Vietnam. His parents sent him to live in a seminary during the Vietnam War, returning home in 1974. Mr. Tran’s father was a fisherman and also joined the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnamese Army) providing security for their town. Mr. Tran’s mother helped sell the fish catch when it came in. Mr.

Mr. Milton Zirlott is a retired commercial fisherman on the Gulf Coast. Zirlott was born on December 29, 1925, to Ellis Zirlott (born 1898 in Fowl River, Alabama) and Nittie Rhodes Zirlott (born around 1906 in Bayou LaBatre, Alabama). His father was a commercial shrimp fisherman and a boat-builder. His mother’s father was a net-maker. Zirlott went to school at Alba in Bayou LaBatre, Alabama. He had one brother, Robert Zirlott.

Mr. Dac Truong is a Vietnamese-American shrimper living in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Truong was born on May 8, 1954, in Rach Gia, South Vietnam. His father was a fisherman, head captain, and carpenter who built his own boat. Mr. Truong was his co-captain. In 1982 Mr. Truong escaped Vietnam with his family, navigating to Malaysia as captain on a friend’s boat. They were later transferred to a camp in the Philippines where he learned some English. In 1984 Mr. Truong and his family finally made it to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where they lived for three years.

Mr. Thang "Peter" Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American, former shrimper, now community liaison for Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center.  He was born in 1967 in Vung Tau, South Vietnam. His parents were fisherfolk and told him the story of escaping Vietnam in the family boat two weeks before the Communists took over South Vietnam, when Mr. Nguyen was just eight years old.

On February 3, 2015, Nancy Solomon interviewed William "Bill" Reed for Long Island Traditions. Bill comes from Hampton Bays and is the fourteenth of sixteen children in his family. From a young age, he was influenced by his older brothers, who were baymen, and he developed a keen interest in the water and fishing. He pursued college for a brief period before fully immersing himself in a career as a fisherman.

Mr. Walter Eley Ross Sr. is a retired commercial fisherman on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  He was born on March 16, 1924, in Biloxi, Mississippi,to Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Ross. His father was a commercial fisherman, house builder, and boat builder. His mother was a housewife. Mr. Ross began fishing with his father commercially when he was a teenager, and he continued in that profession for fifty-three years. Ross also served in the US Air Force, achieving the rank of sergeant. He is a Catholic.

Earl Ross is a commercial shrimper in the Gulf of Mexico. Ross was born on December 13, 1947, in Biloxi, Mississippi, to Mr. Wildon Ross (born April 22, 1922, in Biloxi) and Mrs. Ruth Wallis Ross) born September 27, 1929). His father was a police officer, taxicab owner, and shrimper in Biloxi. His mother was a bookkeeper. His father’s family were shrimpers who owned local businesses, including grocery stores, clothing stores, and taxicabs. His mother’s family were shrimpers and bakers. On November 17, 1968, he married his wife, Charlene (born December 14, 1947).

On December 17, 1985, Michael Kline interviewed Cleta and Norman Long for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Cleta and Norman Long are long-time residents of Tucker County. In this interview, the Longs recount the night of the flood, detailing the rapid rise of the waters and the ensuing chaos. They describe the frantic efforts to save their belongings and ensure the safety of their family. Norman recalls the sound of the rushing water and the surreal sight of their property being submerged.

Matthew Barr interviewed Connie Mason for the Wild Caught project. Connie Mason, who grew up in Morehead City, North Carolina, is the daughter of a commercial fisherman from Stacy, North Carolina. Her father began working on the water with his family at a young age, engaging in various maritime activities to make a living. In this interview, Connie reflects on her childhood experiences in a fishing family, highlighting the contrast between her father's life on the water and his later work in accounting.

Mr. McIlwain Rogers is a commercial fisherman and restaurant owner on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Rogers was born September 19, 1946, in Escatawpa, Mississippi, to Mr. Mackie Rogers (born January 17, 1916, in Escatawpa, Mississippi) and Mrs. Lois Kelly Rogers (born in Claire, Mississippi). His father was the owner of a hardware store, a house builder, and a crabber. His father’s family from North Carolina were in the sawmill business. His mother was a welder at Ingalls Shipbuilders during World War II. Her family were farmers. On February 24, 1995, he married his wife Lawanda.

On June 3, 1987, Nancy Solomon interviewed Danny Koch as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History Collection. Danny is a lifelong bayman who has been working the bay area for his entire life, just like his father, uncle, and grandfathers before him. Danny explains the process of setting traps and the varying number of killey he catches each day, depending on the tides and other factors.  He emphasizes that the bay he fishes in is not a particularly productive fishing area, as indicated by the sounds of gulls.

Matthew Barr interviewed Michael and Lisa Cowdrey for the Wild Caught project. Michael "Chops" Cowdrey is a commercial fisherman, and Lisa Cowdrey is a student pursuing elementary education. Michael, having grown up in a fishing family, shares his journey from working as a crew member to becoming the captain of the Lady Kay. He recounts his early years, including his education at UNC Pembroke and his decision to pursue fishing full-time. Michael describes the dynamics of the fishing industry, highlighting the importance of teamwork and partnerships among fishermen.

Matthew Barr interviewed Mack and Ellen Liverman for the Wild Caught project. Mack Liverman is a lifelong fisherman who has been involved in the commercial fishing industry for over four decades. Ellen Liverman, his wife, has supported the family through various challenges associated with the fishing lifestyle. Together, they have raised two daughters.

Reverend Suong Ngoc Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American living in Biloxi, Mississippi, serving the Vietnamese community, there, many of whom work in the fisheries system. Nguyen was born, one of four children, in 1944 in Cambodia (to Vietnamese parents), but was raised in Tay Ninh Province in South Vietnam. Her grandfather was a leader of the Cao Dai religious group in Tay Ninh Province. Her father sold goods in a market and disappeared one day in 1946 during the French-Viet Minh war.

Nicholas Alfonso was born on May 23, 1965, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Jerry and Ramona Alfonso. He is married to Lisa Christofi Alfonso, and they have two children, Kristy and Misty. Alfonso is a commercial fisherman and a member of the St. Bernard Coastal Advisory Board and the Knights of Columbus. He was interviewed by Stephanie Scull-DeArmey for the University of Southern Mississippi Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage on April 24, 2012. Alfonso currently resides in Louisiana and has been a commercial fisherman for a significant period.

Mr. Tuan Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American living in New Orleans who is the Deputy Director of Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation and served on Louisiana Congressman Joseph Cao's oil disaster Rapid Response Team following the BP Deepwater oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010. Nguyen was born, one of thirteen children, in 1980 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Thanh Nguyen and Than Nguyen of Phu Quoc, Vietnam. During his childhood, his mother worked as a seafood processor and his father worked primarily cutting aluminum and metals for a local business.

Even in a town like Biloxi, it's not often someone can claim seven generations of fishing heritage. The line in Frank Parker's family may have stopped at six when his parents pushed him to go to college and consider other lines of work, but the years of growing up playing on the dock had him pretty well convinced he was going to go back out onto the Gulf. So at 24 years old, 12 credits shy of graduating, Frank decided to listen to the sirens and bought himself a boat. The funny thing, though, is that his parents listened to them too.

Mrs. Alvina Maudvella Nichols was born on October 21, 1925, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Mr. James Rosemond (born July 4, 1902, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi) and Mrs. Mattie Bell Johnson Rosemond (born December 29, 1903, in New Orleans, Louisiana). Her father was a fisherman who came from a fishing family, residing in Bay St. Louis. Her mother was a seafood processing factory worker. Her mother’s family originated in New Orleans and migrated to Bay St. Louis in the early 1900s. Nichols attended St. Rose de Lima Catholic school from which she was graduated from eighth grade.

Mrs. Hoa Thi Pham is a Vietnamese-American living in Biloxi, Mississippi, who made nets for a living in her native land, Vietnam.  She was born in 1953 in Duc Pho, South Vietnam. In 1966 she went to live temporarily with her grandfather’s brother in Vung Tau to be protected from the dangerous fighting in her home region. Mrs. Pham’s father grew rice and potatoes on their farm and her mother had a convenience store. Mrs. Pham had one younger brother. She married Mr. Luu Thai, a shrimper who was from her village. Mrs.

Matthew Barr interviewed Mack Liverman for the Wild Caught project. Mack Liverman is a veteran fisherman and lifelong resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Coming from a family of fishermen, Liverman has spent over four decades in the industry, beginning his career with his father before venturing out on his own.

Matthew Barr interviewed Angie Lester for the Wild Caught project. Angie Lester, a resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, grew up in a family deeply involved in the local fishing industry.  In the interview, Angie discusses her childhood in Sneads Ferry, where she and her siblings engaged in various fishing-related activities to earn money, such as clamming and heading shrimp. Her uncle owned a fish house, which was a central part of their lives. Angie emphasizes the unique, laid-back lifestyle of the area, which she believes is ideal for raising children.

Mr. Robert McDuffie is a subsistence fisherman living in Moss Point, Mississippi. McDuffie was born on March 19, 1941, in Semmes, Alabama, to Robert Lee McDuffie (born April 1, 1905) and Oren Moss McDuffie. He and his wife Jerry were married in Moss Point, Mississippi. They have three children, Stephanie Swinea (born January 2, 1961), Jeffrey McDuffie (born January 18, 1963) and David McDuffie (born March 1, 1970). McDuffie has fished all of his life for subsistence.

Reverend Daniel Quan Nguyen was born, one of five children, on July 15, 1941, in Tay Ninh Province (east of Saigon), South Vietnam. His parents were farmers and his father died when he was just a year old. Reverend Nguyen attended high school and university in Saigon, studying science and law, then becoming a high school math teacher. From 1968 to 1975, he served as an infantry commander in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnamese Army). He was stationed with the Fourth Battalion Regiment of the Seventh Division in the Mekong Delta.

Mrs. Hang Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American, the wife of a shrimper, and a resident of East Biloxi, Mississippi. She was the only child of Binh Nguyen and Nhung Nguyen, born in 1968 in Can Tho, South Vietnam. Her father, who passed away in Seattle, Washington in 2009, served in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnamese Army). Her mother worked in the home. After the fall of South Vietnam, Mrs. Nguyen’s father was sent to reeducation camp. It was then that her mother had to go to work selling fish, coffee, and fabrics in different places. Mrs.

Louis Lipps (b. 1950) is a crabber, owner of The Crab Trap Restaurant, and crab marketer Mr. Louis Lipps was born on September 24, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Joseph Lipps. After finishing high school, Lipps entered the seafood industry, crabbing, shrimping, and fishing. At the time of this interview, he was the owner and operator of The Crab Trap Restaurant in Frenier, Louisiana, as well as his crab marketing business. His children are Kenny, Dennis, and Brian Lipps, all born in New Orleans.

Mr. Cui Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American shrimper living in East Biloxi, Mississippi. Nguyen was born in 1954, one of seven children, in the city of Rach Gia in the Kien Giang Province of South Vietnam. His father, Ngoc Van Nguyen, was a fisherman. His mother, Kau Thi Nguyen, farmed rice. They all worked together to fish and sell at the local market. In 1972 Mr. Nguyen served in his town in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnamese Army). In 1981 Mr. Nguyen escaped Vietnam by boat with his uncle and two sisters-in-law.

Paul Latapie is a third-generation commercial fisherman who resides in Violet, St. Bernard Parish, La.

Mike Le is a Vietnamese-American shrimper living in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Mr. Mike Le was born in 1953 near the town of Rach Gia in the Kien Giang Province of South Vietnam, where his family had a coconut and rice farm. In addition to farming, his father taught martial arts.  Mr. Le escaped from Vietnam by boat with his uncle, cousins, and others, totally fifty-two people, in 1978. After spending five months in Pulau Tengah, Malaysia, he landed in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1979. Soon after, Mr.

Mr. Joseph D. Jewel (b. 1957) is deputy director of the Office of Marine Fisheries at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. He was born in 1959 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the small fishing community in east Biloxi known as the Point. His parents were Mr. Thomas Jewell and Mrs. Betty Jane Seymour Jewell. He was the second son in a family of six sons and one daughter. Following the return of his parents to his father’s ancestral home in Oregon, Joe was raised by his maternal grandparents in a commercial fishing family.

Mr. Daniel Nguyen is the environmental justice coordinator for the Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation in New Orleans Versailles Community. He also currently serves as the project manager for the Viet Village Urban Farm and Sustainable Aquaculture Park, managing daily activities and helping to organize community fisherfolk and gardeners in a cooperative effort to market their goods to local New Orleans restaurants.

Joey Keller is a crab fisherman living in Fernier, Louisiana.

Scope and Content Note:
He talks about crabbing, Lake Pontchartrain, shrimping, trawl nets, bycatch, regulations, equipment, bait, price for catches, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Bonnet Carre Spillway, BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, Vessels of Opportunity, crawfish stew.

Mr. Alfred “Al” R. Sunseri was born on May 3, 1958, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Mr. Salvador Raymond Sunseri (born April 25, 1925, New Orleans) and Mrs. Bobbie Prest Sunseri (born September 10, 1931, Winnipeg, Canada). Raymond Sunseri worked as a certified public accountant in Beverly Hills, California, (1949 to 1950), and from 1952 to 1986, he was owner of P&J Oyster Company, Inc. Al Sunseri’s father’s family was of Sicilian descent, from Trabia, Sicily. His paternal grandmother was Olvira Federice Sunseri. His paternal grandfather, Alfred R.

Mrs. Xuyen Pham is a Vietnamese-American oyster shucker and gardener living in New Orleans East, Louisiana. Pham was born in 1948 in a small village near Hai Phong, North Vietnam. Her father, Thoan Van Pham, was a fisherman. Mrs. Pham helped her mother, Xuy Thi Pham, dry fish and shrimp to make and sell nuoc mam sauce. Her father and grandfather fished on stilts and made a boat carved from bamboo. In 1954 her family, disguised as merchants, made it to Hai Phong, then escaped North Vietnam to the South upon hearing of the country’s division.

Mr. Tuan Tran is a Vietnamese-American shrimper living in Biloxi, Mississippi. Tran was born on July 28, 1963, one of seven children, in Nha Trang, South Vietnam. Mr. Tran’s father died in battle, serving in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, when Mr. Tran was twelve years of age. Upon his father’s death, Mr. Tran quit school to help his mother make a living to support selling produce and other goods in the market. In 1986 Mr. Tran was out fishing when he made a sudden decision to escape Vietnam when approached by others who were escaping.

This interview discusses mostly family history.  She did a lot of Cortez history work.  Green wrote a book, Fog's Comin In, a history of Cortez with many pictures.