Kevin Combs, a retired educator from Louisville, Kentucky, has deep familial roots in Eastern Kentucky, particularly in Knott County. His parents, Virginia Back and Watson Combs, were natives of Knott County before relocating to Louisville in search of employment opportunities. Virginia, a proud alumna of Carr Creek High School, maintained a strong affinity for her place of upbringing, a sentiment that was instilled in Kevin from a young age. Throughout his childhood, Kevin frequently visited Eastern Kentucky, where he developed a profound respect for his family's modest origins.

Leonard Crosby, a native of Savannah, Georgia, has a rich history deeply intertwined with the local fishing industry. His formative years were spent engaging with the natural waterways of his hometown, where he developed a passion for catfishing and mullet jumping. This early exposure to aquatic life led him to pursue a career closely connected to the water. Initially, Crosby found employment with the railroad, a job that, while not directly related to fishing, kept him in proximity to the coastal environment he cherished.

Apayu is an artist based out of Aleknagik, Alaska, who grew up subsistence fishing. Apayu recounts her memories of fishing with her father as a child and her return to subsistence fishing after college. Apayu addresses complex questions, such as the meaning of a subsistence lifestyle and what it means to her to be Yup’ik.

JudyJo Matson and Carla Harris are a feisty mother/daughter duo; JudyJo commercially set nets while her mother Carla primarily fishes for subsistence. JudyJo begins the interview by talking about her experiences commercial fishing as a woman. She talks about her commercial site at Graveyard Point in the Kvichak River, as well what drives her to fish. JudyJo also addresses environmental changes and her childhood fishing experiences.

Matt Campo is a senior research specialist at Rutgers University, where he has dedicated his career to the study and advocacy of sustainable urban planning, with a particular focus on waterfront communities. His expertise encompasses a broad range of issues related to coastal areas, including industrial development, commercial fishing, recreational use, and the challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise. Campo's work is characterized by a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that shape waterfronts and the diverse needs of the populations that depend on them.

Kenneth Walker is a seasoned professional affiliated with NOAA's Office for Coastal Management, where he plays a pivotal role in addressing the complexities of coastal conservation and utilization. His career trajectory has been marked by a deep commitment to the stewardship of coastal resources, reflecting a personal connection to the working waterfront that has been both a driving force and a source of insight in his professional endeavors.

Connie Timmerman is a Native fisherwoman of Bristol Bay Alaska who has fished for decades including salmon for subsistence. She discusses her heritage and how she learned to fish as a young woman, and fishing activities with her family. She emphasizes how women, such as herself and daughters, must be skilled for the local lifestyle of fishing and hunting, and the values of family working together. Her bear dog, Maggie, makes an appearance at the end of the interview.

Rhonda discusses her history in the fishery, environmental changes she's witnessed, as well as family bonds that are created through fishing. This interview is part of the Alaska Native Fisherwomen of Bristol Bay oral history project, a partnership between NOAA Fisheries Alaska Fisheries Science Center and Bristol Bay Native Association.

Joanne Nelson has been a resident of Dillingham, Alaska, since 1952. She wrote Guide to the Birds of Southwest Alaska and has taught courses on home canning and smoking salmon through the Marine Advisory Program.  In this interview Joanne recounts her memories of moving from Idaho to Alaska as a young woman to work in a hand-pack cannery on Nushagak Bay. She also shares some of her knowledge of local medicinal plants and talks about her family’s experiences practicing subsistence.

June Ingram is an elder Yupik fisherwoman from Bristol Bay, Alaska. She has fished salmon (subsistence and commercial) at her family's fish camp site, which has been in her family since the 1940's. In the interview June describes what it's like to fish with multiple generations of her family and how she passes on values and lessons to younger generations through salmon fishing practices. She also discusses her experience of environmental change.

Lester Perry is a seasoned commercial fisherman with deep roots in North Carolina's fishing community. Raised in a family with a long-standing tradition of fishing, Perry was introduced to the trade at a tender age, specifically to the practice of shrimping. His early exposure to the sea and its bounties shaped his career path, leading him to ascend the ranks within the industry. Perry's dedication and skill eventually earned him the position of a boat captain, a role he currently fulfills aboard the Blessed Assurance.

Monique Arsenault is a marine observer with a background in biomedical science. Born in April, she grew up in Pelham, New Hampshire, near the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border. Both sides of her family hail from Canada, with her maternal grandparents working in mills and factories in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and her paternal family originating from Prince Edward Island. Arsenault's interest in marine biology began in college, where she initially majored in the subject before switching to a broader biomedical science degree.

Esther Ilutsik is the Director for Yup’ik Studies for the Southwest Region Schools in Dillingham, Alaska. She learned to set net fish as a child and commercial fished throughout her life at her family’s fish camp in Ekuk. In this interview Esther recounts her experiences of fishing with her mother and the social and environmental changes she has observed in Ekuk.

Lindsay Layland is a commercial fisher based in Dillingham, Alaska, and also works as the Deputy Director at United Tribes of Bristol Bay (UTBB).

Working for a non-regulatory group, the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes in Lansing, MI, Matthew Preisser does statewide and regional planning work to protect and restore the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them. He serves in a professional capacity within the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, where his responsibilities are centered on coastal zone management and the execution of federal programs pertinent to the region. His role is critical in fostering connections and providing support to the island communities scattered throughout the Great Lakes.

Simuka Smith is a fisherwoman living in Dillingham Alaska who has participated in subsistence and commercial fishing for the past two decades. She is a retired commercial fisherwoman and skilled in many trades. She talks about her experiences and adventures commercial and subsistence fishing, and moose hunting as well as her overall life in Bristol Bay. This interview is part of the Alaska Native Fisherwomen of Bristol Bay oral history project, a partnership between NOAA Fisheries Alaska Fisheries Science Center and Bristol Bay Native Association.

Eze Burt is recognized for his influential role as the former executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, a position through which he made significant contributions to the port's development and operations. His professional journey is marked by his tenure at one of the most critical maritime facilities in the United States, where he navigated complex political and economic landscapes. Burt's background reflects a deep understanding of the port's history and the intricacies of its management, shaped by the vision of influential figures such as Mayor Tom Bradley.

Wassiliisa (Deedee) lives in Dillingham, Alaska and is the Chief Administrative Officer at Bristol Bay Native Association, where she has worked for over forty years. In this interview Deedee describes how she grew up fishing with her father, who was a commercial fisherman, and how she values family engagement in the fishery.

Ray Bently of Big Pine Key, Florida, was a recreational fisher at the time of the interview. He is a figure with a rich history connected to Key West, Florida. His narrative is deeply intertwined with the region's evolution, particularly in the context of its fishing industry. Bently's experiences reflect a time when Key West underwent significant changes, both culturally and environmentally.

Betty Bonin (grandmother), Rhonda Wayner (mother) and Harmony Wayner (daughter) represent three generations of Alaska Native fisherwomen in Naknek, Alaska. In this interview, these ladies discuss their family heritage of having strong, female fishers in the family, the physical nature of fishing, and family roles in the fishery. Rhonda participated in a follow-up phone interview where she further discusses her history in the fishery, environmental changes she's witnessed, as well as family bonds that are created through fishing.

Interview with Albert Potts, Director of Onslow County Museum

Enrico Salvo, an Italian native born in 1927, immigrated to the United States in 1955. His initial encounter with San Pedro came through his role as a merchant marine officer, a position that paved the way for his eventual settlement in Los Angeles. In the bustling city, Salvo carved out a career in logistics and transportation, demonstrating his acumen in the field by acquiring the company he was employed with.

Merle Stanfill is an individual with a deep connection to the marine environment, particularly around the Florida Keys, where he has observed significant ecological changes over a period of seventeen years. His experiences and observations are rooted in his engagement with the local fish stocks, water temperatures, algae populations, and coral formations.

From initially moving to Traverse City, Michigan, to open a dive shop, Mike Wills has worked in a variety of waterfront-related jobs, from working on boats, operating two marinas, opening a community sailing program, and developing three waterfront real estate in downtown Traverse City. Wills serves as the chair of the Discovery Center Great Lakes, a prominent organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the working waterfront in Traverse City, Michigan.

Mimi and Simon Stafford are long-time residents of Key West, Florida, with deep ties to the local fishing community. Their lives have been intricately woven into the fabric of this coastal town, known for its vibrant culture and rich maritime history. The Staffords have witnessed the transformation of Key West from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling tourist destination. Throughout their lives, they have been actively involved in the fishing industry, which has been both their livelihood and passion.

Interview with Harvey Bradshaw, retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps, photographer, and community activist

Interview with Dorothy Jean Norris, waitress and wife of fisherman John Norris

Narrator Pete Worthington, of Marathon, Florida, was a commercial fisher at the time of the interview with extensive experience in commercial fishing. His life in the Keys has provided him with a unique perspective on the local environment and the fishing industry. Over the years, Worthington has witnessed significant changes in Florida Bay, particularly noting a decline in water clarity and an increase in suspended algae particles. His firsthand observations and experiences have given him insight into the environmental shifts and challenges facing the region.

Stephen Barndollar is a seasoned professional in the seafood processing industry, with a notable tenure at Seatrade International during the 1990s. His career is marked by his involvement with the company's strategic shift in response to the evolving landscape of the fishing industry. Barndollar's expertise lies in navigating the complexities of seafood processing, particularly with underutilized species such as dogfish and monkfish.

Interview with Jackie Thompson, lifelong member of the Sneads Ferry community and married to a netmaker

Interview with Isabelle Sidbury, a teacher and longtime member of the Sneads Ferry African-American community

Interview with Hubert Smith, businessman and community activist

Nancy Pigman is a native of Knott County, who spent her formative years in the small community of Litt Carr. Pigman's early experiences were shaped by the natural environment of her hometown, where outdoor activities such as fishing in the creek were a staple of her youthful adventures. Pigman's life was notably affected by the construction of a dam in her area, which resulted in the displacement of her family and others in the community. This event had a significant impact on her and is a central theme in her recollections of her past.

Ronnie Beckham is a third-generation commercial fisherman who now is involved in clam aquaculture. He was born and raised in Cedar Key, Florida, where he worked with his father, who was also a fisherman and used to fish for turtles. Born into a family with a rich legacy in the fishing industry, Beckham's upbringing was steeped in the traditions and practices of fishing that have been passed down through generations.

Rob Bland is a seasoned Northeast Fisheries Observer with over 19 years of experience in the field. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Rob developed a love for the outdoors and aquatic environments from a young age, thanks to his family's recreational fishing trips and camping adventures. His interest in marine life was further piqued by a documentary he watched in sixth grade about humpback whale discovery, which led him to pursue a career in marine research. Rob attended a school in Mathias, Maine, which marked the beginning of his journey on the East Coast.

Interview with John Norris, veteran shrimper

Interview with John Norris, veteran shrimper

Eben Nieuwkerk, 29 years old at the time of the interview, is the owner-operator of two gillnet and lobster boats in Portland and Kennebunkport, ME.

Scope and Content Note

Jake Griffin, 27 years old at the time of the interview, is a North Carolina fisherman specializing in niche fisheries such as shark fishing and the haul seine fishery (a traditional method of fishing from the beach with a skiff and a truck). Located at an ecological boundary, he targets various populations of sharks as they migrate down from the North and up from the South throughout the year. Jake's biggest worry is that public misunderstanding about the shark fishery will lead to management measures that shut him out of the fisheries he has invested in.

James Leonard, 34 years old at the time of the interview, is the owner-operator of the F/V Briana James, an inshore dragger in Point Judith, RI. James comes from a fishing family and spent his twenties working on large offshore freezer vessels to save money. Then, with indispensable moral support from his wife and the boat-building expertise of his extended family, he brought a boat down from Nova Scotia and spent over a year rebuilding it for dragging in Rhode Island.

Scope and Content Note

Crystal Jordan, 33 years old at the time of the interview, is the owner-operator of a blue crab and oyster vessel in Solomon's Island, MD. As the daughter of a fishermen, she grew up on the water, and took over her father's operation at the age of 20 when he passed away from cancer. Her vessel is called "Some Beach." 

Scope and Content Note

Gus Lovgren, 33 years old at the time of the interview, is a captain and crewmember on the F/V Kailey Ann in Point Pleasant, NJ. Gus is the fourth generation in his family to fish East Coast waters, but maybe not the last: his five-year-old daughter has dreams of carrying on the family legacy, someday.

Scope and Content Note

Jake Eaton, 26 years old at the time of the interview, works as his father-in-law's sternman on the F/V Last Penny and operator of a lobster skiff, the F/V Eyesore in Portsmouth, NH. He comes from a long line of fishing families in Downeast Maine, and he finds it fulfilling to continue the family tradition. He grew up in Seacoast New Hampshire and went to high school in Dover. His father and grandfather were involved in fishing, with his grandfather being a lobsterman.

Dustin Delano, 28 years old at the time of the interview, is owner-operator of the F/V Knotty Lady, a lobster boat out of Friendship, Maine. Dustin started fishing at age 11, the fourth generation in his family to follow this line of work. After taking a meandering path through higher education, he wound up back in his hometown doing what he loves: lobstering. He is one of several captains to capitalize on ecological changes by developing a menhaden seine fishery in Midcoast Maine.

Dustin Westman, 32 years old at the time of the interview, is a crab, oyster, and gillnet fisherman in Heathsville, Virginia. He started fishing with his dad at age 4, and by age 12, he had his own boat.

Scope and Content Note

Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan is a distinguished American geologist and a former NASA astronaut. Born on October 3, 1951, in Paterson, New Jersey, she became the first American woman to walk in space on October 11, 1984, during the Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-41-G. Sullivan's academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Earth sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Ph.D. in geology from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Mr. Walton "Buddy" Daisy was born in 1944 in Houma, Louisiana, where he has lived his entire life. He began working in the oyster industry at the age of sixteen, following the death of his father when he was twelve years old. Daisy started his career in the oyster industry by working for his brother to help support his mother. Over the years, he has witnessed significant changes in the industry, particularly in terms of regulations and the shift from a focus on winter oyster harvesting to a year-round operation.

Davie Breaux is a native of South Louisiana, born and raised in Galiano, and has spent his life working in and around the coastal region. He is the Director of Operations for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, a position he has held for 16 years, overseeing the construction and development of the port itself. Prior to this, he worked in the construction industry, gaining valuable experience as a draftsman for architects and engineers and later working for a general contractor for 14 years.

Cindy Cutrera is a lifelong resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, born in December 1956. She is married to a man who is also a lifetime resident of the city, and together they have three daughters. Two of her daughters live in the area, while the third resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. Cutrera's family has a strong connection to the local community and the natural environment, often camping at Lake End Park and participating in local gatherings.

Joe Kowalsky, 31 years old at the time of the interview, is an oyster farmer and fishermen in Milford, Bridgeport, and Stratford, CT. He owns and operates multiple boats, including the Sea Skimmer, LeClair, Mohawk, and a Carolina skiff. Joe is primarily focused on oyster farming but also engages in wild fisheries for additional income. He found his way to fishing after putting aside societal notions that there is no money to be made on the water.

James Reilly, 33 years old at the time of the interview, is a captain of a clam vessel based out of Oceanside, NY and Atlantic City, NJ. James grew up on Long Island as the son of a fisherman, and despite discouragement from his mother, he wound up working as crew for his father and then taking over his father's captain job when his father retired. He operates the fishing vessel Ocean Girl, targeting surf clams and ocean quahogs with hydraulic dredges. 

Ken Murgo, 31 years old at the time of his interview, is a diversified fisherman in Narragansett Bay, RI. With his father, Ken fishes for conchs, lobsters, quahogs, and a variety of different finfish on the F/V Johnny B. In his interview, he talks about his parents' expectations that he would enter medical school after college, his inevitable return to full-time fishing in spite of these expectations, and the interest he feels in fisheries science and cooperative research.

Scope and Content Note

Lyle Peele, 29 years old at the time of the interview, is a fifth generation waterman in Manteo, NC. Lyle and his family have seen the industry change, and his feelings about it are complex. He owns three boats and has diversified his fishing methods to adapt to changing conditions.

Scope and Content Note

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

Scope and Content Note

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

Scope and Content Note

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

Scope and Content Note

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

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

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

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

Scope and Content Note

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

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

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

Scope and Content Note

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

Scope and Content Note

Joan Nolan is a long-term resident of the Florida Keys with a deep connection to the local marine environment. Her life in the Keys has been characterized by her close relationship with the water, both professionally and recreationally. Joan has spent years observing and interacting with the marine ecosystem through her occupation, which remains unspecified, and her extensive involvement in volunteer work related to water conservation and marine life protection.

Jim Thomas is a seasoned marine biologist and conservationist with a career spanning several decades in the field of marine ecology. His expertise lies in fisheries, marine life, and coral reef ecosystems. Thomas has dedicated his professional life to the study and preservation of marine environments, with a particular focus on the intricate relationships between different species and their habitats. He has been actively involved in research, conservation efforts, and advocacy, working closely with both scientific communities and government agencies.

John Koenig is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys with extensive experience on the waters surrounding the archipelago. His life has been deeply intertwined with the marine environment, giving him a unique and personal perspective on the ecological changes that have occurred over the years. Koenig's firsthand knowledge comes from years of direct interaction with the marine ecosystem, particularly through fishing, which has been both a passion and a way of life for him.

''Iki" Moir is the only child of Hector Moir and Alexandria Knudson Moir. Hector Moir was the manager of Koloa Sugar Company from 1933 to 1948; he stepped down when Koloa Sugar Company merged with Grove Farm. Alexandria Knudson Moir is a descendent of the Sinclair, Gay and Robinson families who owned Ni'ihau and parts of Kaua'i.

Bill Tunney is a commercial fisherman based in East Patchogue, near Bellport village. He began his career in fishing at the age of thirteen when he bought his first boat with money earned from mowing lawns. His initial interest in fishing was sparked by the popularity of clamming in his area during his youth. Over the years, Tunney has expanded his fishing activities to include dredging crabs and scallops, gill netting, and potting blue claw crabs. He is known for his innovative approach to fishing, often experimenting with different techniques and equipment to improve his catch.

Robert Lowell Slager, also known as Captain Bob, was born in Bay Shore in 1945 and has lived his entire life in West Sayville, Long Island. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who was involved in shellfish management, dredging, and tonging. Slager quit high school at the age of sixteen in 1968 and started dredging clams, becoming the youngest captain on the bay. He continued this work until 1982, during which time he also participated in various projects aimed at supporting the stocks of the bay.

Brad Keene is a seasoned boatman with a deep-rooted connection to his family's maritime legacy. Born on April 5, 1988, Brad's passion for the sea was ignited at the age of twelve when he purchased his first boat, Garvey. Growing up in Freeport, he had the privilege of working alongside his father, who owned a dragger, on Woodcleft Canal. Brad's family history in the boating world can be traced back several generations.

Hannah Cinnemantaro is a marine observer with a rich family history in the marine industry. Born and raised in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Hannah grew up close to the ocean, influenced by her parents, who both worked in the marine industry. Her mother worked on a Whale Watch since she was pregnant with Hannah, and her father worked on another Whale Watch boat and in the marine industry with oil riggers. Hannah's love for the ocean led her to an internship on a whale watch out of Gloucester, Massachusetts, where she collected quantitative and qualitative data on humpbacks on Stellwagen Bank.

Interview with Kim Lowther

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

Kevin Anderson is a marine biologist with a rich family history in fishing and farming. His passion for marine biology was inspired by his grandmother, who had a deep love for the ocean. Anderson attended community college for two years before transferring to the University of Rhode Island (URI) to complete his degree in marine biology. After graduation, he was eager to join the workforce and obtained his scuba certificate alongside his diploma. Anderson began his career in Alabama, working for Dauphin Island Sea Lab on fisheries independent surveys.

Karen Jones Cody is a native of Smiths Borough in Knott County, Kentucky, where she has deep familial roots and a rich personal history. As co-owner and editor of the Troublesome Creek Times, Cody has a strong connection to her community and a passion for storytelling. Her childhood was marked by a love for reading and writing, and she attended multiple schools, which likely contributed to her broad perspective and understanding of her community.

Edmond Watson is a former hydrographer and research associate who has been involved with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. In the early 1930s, Watson was appointed as a hydrographer on the International Passamaquoddy Fisheries Commission, a project aimed at studying the impact of dam construction on the herring fishery along the East Coast. During this time, Watson became acquainted with Dr. Bigelow, a professor at Harvard who had established the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Dr.

Ralph Sandora was born on July 3, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. His family moved to Center Point, West Virginia, in 1957 when he was 13 years old. His father, an immigrant from Italy, arrived in the United States at the age of 11, while his mother was born in the United States to Italian parents. Ralph grew up in a close-knit family with two sisters. He pursued a career as a school bus driver in Doddridge County, West Virginia, and retired from this position.

Randy Moyer was born on July 20, 1963, and raised in Portage, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a close-knit community where outdoor activities like hunting and fishing were common. Moyer started working at the age of 13 and eventually became a long-haul truck driver, a profession he pursued for 18 years. He drove across the East Coast, covering over 3 million miles, and owned two tractor-trailers. Moyer's pride and joy is his son, with whom he shares a deep bond, engaging in various activities like fishing and riding a go-kart.

Scott Rotruck was born on August 7, 1955, in Huntington, West Virginia, and grew up in Keyser, West Virginia. He attended Potomac State College before transferring to West Virginia University (WVU) in 1976, where he attempted to join the football team, but an Achilles tendon injury ended his athletic career. Rotruck then pursued a career with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, where he worked as an engineer and later moved into management after completing his MBA.

Sherry Becker-Gorby was born on December 30, 1952, in Wheeling, West Virginia. She was raised outside of Wheeling in a predominantly farming area. Her father's passion for working with animals and being outdoors influenced her upbringing. Despite her father's family not being farmers, he moved them to a small acreage outside Wheeling to provide an experience of rural life. Sherry's mother grew up in town, but her family had agricultural roots among the Mennonites in Virginia.

Otto Rutten is the Associate Operations Director at the Aquarius Reef Base underwater laboratory in Key Largo, Florida. Born and raised in Key Largo, Rutten developed a passion for marine biology from a young age, inspired by watching Jacques Cousteau on television. Despite his early fascination with marine science, Rutten pursued engineering at North Carolina State University and later worked for the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries while completing a master’s program at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW).

Interview with Suzanne Escott

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.

I did have the opportunity of spending those hours with [my kids] on the boat, which to me is one of the best things that ever came out of it.

Fishing is huge. I think it is a huge driver not only of our economy but of the culture.  I think also it is under-appreciated.

Bill Hall lives in Newport, Oregon, and is the Lincoln County Commissioner in his fourth term. He was born in Portland and lived there until he was 26. He did some graduate work in Portland and then moved to Newport to become a reporter for The News-Times and the news director, covering the local government for a group of radio stations.

Walter Japp, born on December 28, 1940, in Duluth, MN, spent most of his life in Miami and St. Petersburg, Florida. He was a veteran of the US Army. Walter graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in marine biology. For 35 years, he worked as a coral reef ecologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. After retirement, Walter co-founded Lithophyte Research, focusing on evaluating and replacing damaged coral reefs.

I had made partnerships [with] people you would not traditionally expect to be partners, I knew the power of collaboration, partnership with all people, all groups with odd interests, and that actually, if you don't speak the same language, you may learn new words.