Fritz Amtsburg got an early education in fishing and became a full-time commercial fisherman in 1949. He was introduced to fishing by his stepfather, who fished out of Molokai during the war and later moved to Oahu. Amtsburg learned bottom fishing techniques from his stepfather, who preferred fishing off the Koko Crater or Koko Head. He used a technique called kogo to pull the anchor, and they mostly fished for Paka and Lehi. Amtsburg also engaged in trolling and bottom fishing trips to Waianae and Ka'ena Point.

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

Interview with Johnny Wayne Midgett, crabber and community leader

Interview with Ray Sweney, veteran fisherman

Interview with Marvin Everett, a longtime member of the Sneads Ferry African-American community

Interview with Mary Pettus, a longtime member of the Sneads Ferry African-American community

Interview with Johnny Wayne Midgett, crabber, and activist for fishermen of Sneads Ferry

Interview with Paul Huie, Jr., fisherman and clammer

Dolores D. Parker was born in Bayou Goula, La. The daughter of a minister, she grew up moving around the state. She graduated from Clark High School in New Orleans then earned a B.A. degree in elementary education from Dillard. She taught in New Orleans public schools for 32 years and taught reading in an adult education program. She is the mother of four children: Raymond, Raynelle, Raynette, and Raynard. Raymond, who also contributes to this interview, is her oldest child.

Ida Belle Joshua is a native of New Orleans, La., and survivor of Hurricane Betsy. She moved to the Ninth Ward in 1949 with her husband, Isaac Joshua Sr. They have three children. Before Hurricane Betsy, she worked as a hair dresser. After the storm, she attended the University of New Orleans, Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University), and Tulane University and worked as a teacher's aide, social worker, and adjunct professor at Xavier University.

Dorothy Mackey Prevost is a New Orleans native and survivor of Hurricane Betsy. She lived in the Lower Ninth Ward her entire life, attended McCarty Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School, and worked as a seamstress. She married Charles Prevost in 1953 and had two daughters, Tessie and Tory. Tessie was one of the first African-American students to integrate McDonogh 19 School in the 1960s.

Warren E. Bailey, born and raised in Woods Hole, has been deeply connected to the fishing industry throughout his life. He grew up on North Street and attended school in the village. At the age of 17, he started working for Sam Cahoon at his fish market. However, his plans to immediately join the service during World War II were delayed, and he continued working for Sam Cahoon throughout the summer. Bailey eventually enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II. After his military service, he returned to the fish market in Falmouth, where he continued his work.

Lela Anderson, born on June 6, 1931, in Sullivan, Hancock County, worked at the Stinson Cannery from 1956 for 54 years. She grew up in Corea, Maine, and her mother had also worked at the cannery in the 1940s. Lela's family had a history of involvement with the cannery, as her mother, aunt, and older sister also worked there. 

“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.”

"Right now, I can close my eyes and see that boat and hear the noises that it made.  When it came in the creek, it would blow the whistle and black smoke would come from it.  It was just great watching that steamboat come in." 

Lucille D. Duminy moved into New Orleans' Ninth Ward around 1949. She survived Hurricane Betsy in 1965 and rebuilt her house and life there.

Scope and Content Note
Duminy discusses her childhood, living in the Ninth Ward in the 1950s and 1960s, her ordeal in surviving Hurricane Betsy, her encounters with relief agencies afterward, Hurricane Camille in 1969, and other hurricanes.

Lucy Boyer Thomas was born in 1923, grew up in the Fazendeville village near Chalmette, and attended school in New Orleans through the eleventh grade. She studied nursing at UCLA and worked as a nurse in California and Louisiana. She married Francis Thomas and they had five children. She lived in the Ninth Ward for more than fifty years, surviving Hurricane Betsy. She died in 2004 at age eighty-one.

Cory Weyant is a seasoned bayman and dragger fisherman with over forty-five years of experience in the industry. He has witnessed significant changes in his line of work, particularly in the Freeport area where he has lived since he was two years old. Weyant's career has spanned several decades, during which he has seen a decline in the number of small trawlers in his area and a dramatic decrease in the abundance of fish. He attributes these changes to overfishing and the advancement of fishing technology. Despite the challenges, Weyant has managed to adapt to the changing circumstances.

"See, in the latter part of my grandmother being at the lighthouse, President Roosevelt was off the backshore in a government boat on a vacation.  They told him about her being the only woman lighthouse keeper in the country.  He said he would like to meet her.  So, they brought him around, around Provincetown and into Wellfleet Harbor.  They rode him ashore.  He shook hands with my grandmother."

Ronald Cole is the operations manager for Virginia-Kentucky Broadcasting in Grundy, Virginia. He has been in broadcasting for over 26 years, primarily in Kentucky and Virginia. Cole was involved in broadcasting during the flood in Buchanan County, Virginia, in 1973. He received a phone call from the civil defense director, John Hash, warning of an impending flood due to heavy water systems moving in. Cole was responsible for opening the radio station early to announce the flood and provide information to the public.

Dan Aherne, the chief executive of New England Seafood, has been with the company since 2003, specializing in sales and marketing of fast-moving consumer goods. Prior to joining New England Seafood, Aherne worked with Unilever, gaining experience in sales and marketing. His focus at New England Seafood has been on the marketing of wild salmon, a product the company has been selling since 1998.

Sue Branham, born on July 18, 1937, is the owner of The Corner, a ladies' and children's ready-to-wear business in downtown Grundy, Virginia. She purchased the existing business in March 1977 and continued to teach at Grundy Junior High School until 1991. Branham was directly impacted by the 1977 flood that occurred a month after she acquired the business. She resides on Route 83, outside the floodplain, and has been involved in the community's efforts to address the recurring flood issues. 

Michael Kline Interviewed Cleta and Norman Long in Hendricks, WV on 12-17-1985 

Amy Moore Flood Story

Oliver Goldsmith Brown IV is a retired oil field engineer who worked on a sailing, commercial fishing vessel as a teenager in the 1950s in the Gulf of Mexico. Brown was born on December 3, 1940, in Morton, Mississippi. He grew up in Morton and later moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he lived with his uncle and aunt. Brown's family had a history of involvement in the fishing industry, and he began working as a fisherman at a young age. 

Mr. Clyde Leslie Brown was born July 1, 1932, in Pecan, Mississippi, to Nathaniel Richard Brown (born November 22, 1901, in Canoe, Alabama) and Mary Edna Stork Brown (born February 28, 1906, in Pecan, Mississippi). His father was a farmer who ran a general store in Canoe, Alabama, and his mother was a housewife. His mother’s father was a commercial fisherman in Jackson County, Mississippi, who ran a general store in Pecan, Mississippi. On September 4, 1955, he married Annie Marie Jones.

Ran Bui is a Vietnamese-American shrimper in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mr. Ran Bui was born in 1960, one of eleven children, and raised in the port city of Vung Tau in southern Vietnam. Mr. Bui’s parents are originally from Hai Phong in the north of Vietnam. His father, Canh Bui, was a member of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnamese Army) and a fisherman; his mother, Mau Thi Nguyen, fished with the family and worked for a seafood company processing oysters and shrimp. Mr. Bui began fishing with his father at age eleven.

Nick Collins, born in 1971 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a fourth-generation commercial fisherman primarily involved in oystering. His family's business, the Collins Oyster Company, has a longstanding reputation along the Gulf Coast and nationwide. Collins' expertise in oystering has been passed down through generations, shaping his deep understanding of the industry. 

Jennifer M. Buchanan is an educator at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, serving as the education coordinator. She has been involved in oral history projects, particularly focused on capturing the experiences and knowledge of individuals with a deep understanding of the coastal areas. Buchanan's work involves collaborating with researchers to design and conduct studies to understand significant events and changes in the coastal environment.

Mr. Gerald William Bosarge was born on November 13, 1934, in Pecan, Mississippi, to Mr. Charles Bosarge and Mrs. Bosarge (born Saksa, in Finland). He is married to Mrs. Harriet Janice Zirlott (born in Coden, Alabama on June 27, 1945). They have two children, Gerald William Bosarge Jr. and Lori Ann Bosarge. At the time of this interview, Mr. Bosarge was retired from commercial fishing, and after forty years of fishing for a living, he currently fishes for fun and sustenance. He is from a multi-generational fishing family, with ancestors who fished on both sides of his family. 

Bryan E. Cumbie is a commercial fisherman from Bayou LaBatre, Alabama. Cumbie began his fishing career in 1996, following in the footsteps of his uncle, Billy Johnson, who taught him the trade. He has been involved in commercial fishing since the 1970s and has spent most of his life in Bayou LaBatre. Cumbie's experience in the fishing industry spans several decades, and he has witnessed the impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster on the Gulf Coast fisheries. 

Ben Burg, an individual deeply connected to the traditions of sturgeon spearing in the Winnebago system, was born into a family that has resided in the area since at least the early 20th century. His great uncle, a significant figure in the family history, was known for his spearing activities alongside the Stockbridge Indians, who were indigenous to the area. This tradition was carried on by Burg's father and eventually by Burg himself, who began spearing in 1944 and continued annually without interruption. His involvement spans several decades.

Charles Wheeler was a prominent figure associated with the United States Bureau of Fisheries Laboratory. His extensive knowledge and contributions significantly impacted the field of fishery science. Over the years, the organization underwent several departmental changes, moving between the Department of Commerce, the Department of Interior, and finally returning to the Department of Commerce in 1970​​ . 

Oscar Harold Bunting was born on August 12, 1931, in Bishop, Maryland. He was raised in Wisconsin and served four years in the Navy, after which he worked at the Straight Wharf Garage before working as a scalloper in 1952. He began scalloping in Nantucket, Massachusetts and continued in this profession for over five decades. Bunting's experience included independent commercial scalloping, primarily around Nantucket, Tuckernuck, and Muskeget. Bunting's father, a former Coast Guard member, also scalloped until his mysterious disappearance at sea.

William Casper was born in Wisconsin and grew up in a rural area near Lake Winnebago. He developed an interest in fishing at a young age, encouraged by his uncles. Casper's career began at Giddings & Lewis, a machine shop in Fond du Lac, where he worked as a machinist and eventually became a maintenance foreman. His passion for fishing, particularly sturgeon spearing, led him to become an advocate for the conservation of the species.

Charles A. Carevich was born on December 11, 1923, in Tacoma, Washington. In 1930, his family relocated to San Pedro, California, due to the Great Depression and his father's occupation as a commercial fisherman. His parents, originally from the island of Brac, Dalmatia, emigrated to the United States in the early 20th century. Carevich's father, a fisherman, initially settled in Tacoma, where many of their relatives from Brac also migrated. Growing up during the Great Depression, Charles attended local schools and quickly adapted to his new environment.

William "Bill" Casper was born on January 29, 1931, on a farm on the east shore of Lake Winnebago in Taycheedah, Wisconsin. He has spent his entire life in this area, except for four years during the Korean War. Casper grew up on the family farm, which he continued to be associated with throughout his life. He was introduced to hunting and fishing at an early age by his uncles, particularly Ambrose Langenfeld, who played a significant role in shaping his interest in sturgeon spearing. At the age of 14, Casper speared his first sturgeon.

Eric Cheslock was born in 1956 and raised in Menasha, Wisconsin. He developed a strong connection to the local waterways, frequently fishing on Little Lake Butte Des Morts and Lake Winnebago. Cheslock has been employed at SCA Tissue for twenty-eight years. His family consists of six boys, many of whom share his enthusiasm for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. Eric Cheslock's interest in sturgeon spearing began in 1985 through the influence of a friend. He is known for his dedication to the sport, having participated in spearing seasons that previously spanned sixteen days.

Anton Christen, originally from Switzerland, resides in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked at the Union Oyster House, the oldest restaurant in the United States, for seventeen years. Initially employed as a sous chef, Christen transitioned to the role of oyster shucker, a position he has held for fifteen years. Fluent in French, German, and English, Christen's multilingual skills are advantageous in the restaurant's diverse and international setting.

Jim Anderson is a local fisherman in Half Moon Bay who followed his father's footsteps of becoming a fisherman. Like any fisherman's tradition, he built his own commercial boat and named it after his mother, Allaine. He fishes for salmon in the summer and crab in the winter and is vastly involved with fishery politics and policies. He's putting a class together with Half Moon Bay High School and trains individuals to survive on a boat and the ocean.

Dave Arian was born in 1946 in Los Angeles and grew up in the harbor area near Terminal Island. His father, known as "honest Lou," was a longshoreman and a significant influence on Arian's life. Arian began his career on the waterfront in 1969 and became involved in the labor movement, eventually serving as the international president of the union. He was elected president of Local 13 in 1984, a position he held for a significant period. His commitment to building future leadership marked Arian's involvement in the labor movement.

John Ara was born in Brooklyn in 1922 and raised in Spain until the age of sixteen. He returned to the United States and faced challenges in proving his American citizenship due to the destruction of his birth documents during the Spanish Civil War. Ara's journey to establish his citizenship involved a series of encounters, including a fortuitous meeting with a doctor who had delivered him as a child. Ara's first job in the U.S. was in the fish canneries. He then joined the Merchant Marine and served for about four years before joining the Navy during World War II.

Bill Adler was born in Weston, West Virginia. He served in the Radio Intelligence Division of the Army Security Agency in Germany from 1945 to 1946.  Adler returned home to manage his father's retail store. In February 1953, Adler co-founded the Weston Television Cable Corp. alongside two partners. This venture marked the beginning of his influential role in providing television reception to the residents of Lewis County, West Virginia.

Avery Bates, of Bayou La Batre, Alabama, was interviewed on several occasions. Mr. Bates is president of the Organized Seafood Association of Alabama (OSAA). Mr. Bates spoke on past and current conditions of the seafood industry, in addition to various aspects of laws and regulations affecting the industry. Mr. Bates was also instrumental in providing contacts within the fishing community.

Irene Almeida was born on August 20th, 1929, in her family home in San Pedro, California, on 18th Street. A midwife attended her birth, as was common at the time. Her father, a small fishing boat owner, was out at sea when she was born. By the time she was born, her mother, who had married at 15, was 19 and found it challenging to take care of three children, prompting her father to eventually switch from fishing to longshoring for a living. Irene's parents were immigrants from Madeira Island, a volcanic island off the coast of Africa.

Tommy Amalfitano was born at San Pedro Hospital on December 10th, 1942. His family originated in Ishchia, with a background in fishing, which led them to immigrate to San Pedro. His father was involved in the restaurant and bar business, and his mother was a housewife. Tommy attended Mary Star, a Catholic school in San Pedro. He later became involved in the fish business, starting from a small fish market and eventually growing to a 10,000-square-foot building. Throughout his life, Tommy has been involved in various community events, such as the Fishermen's Fiesta.

Robert Jake Abraham, also known as Bob, was born and raised near Lake Winnebago, where he developed a deep connection to fishing and hunting from a young age. His family has a long history in the area, with his father being born just a mile north of their current residence. Robert's family were local dairy farmers, and he dairy farmed for many years before transitioning to fishing and guiding. He has a rich history of sturgeon fishing and guiding and has been involved in the local fishing community for decades.

John Abler is an experienced sturgeon fisherman with a wealth of stories and knowledge about the sport. He has been involved in sturgeon fishing since the early 1940s and his experiences include memorable encounters with sturgeon and fishing trips with his father. Abler's expertise and passion for sturgeon fishing are evident in his detailed accounts of his experiences, making him a valuable source of information for those interested in the sport.

Forest Blume, a native of Fayette County, West Virginia, has a rich family history rooted in the early settlement of the area. His grandfather was among the first settlers. Blume worked as a conservation officer with the Department of Natural Resources. His role encompassed a broad range of responsibilities, from enforcing litter laws to executing warrants in the rural counties of West Virginia. 

Frederick Binkowski, a senior research scientist at the Water Institute, has dedicated a significant portion of his career to the study and conservation of sturgeon species. Binkowski studies sturgeon biology, including the intricacies of their feeding habits, breeding, and rearing in laboratory conditions. His work has not only advanced the scientific community's understanding of sturgeon but also contributed to practical conservation efforts, such as the rehabilitation project on the upper Fox River initiated in 2002.

Harvey Bradshaw is a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps and a lifelong Sneads Ferry resident with deep ancestral roots in the area dating back twelve generations to 1691. Born in Sneads Ferry, Bradshaw grew up in a family deeply involved in farming and fishing. His grandfather and his family farmed and fished in the area, engaging in activities such as raising tobacco, corn, and peanuts and maintaining orchards with peaches, apples, pears, and grapevines.

Richard Braasch, born in 1935, hails from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and comes from a family of five children. His parents were of German descent, and his father worked at Winnebago State Hospital while also being a handyman mechanic. Braasch's mother was a homemaker who worked part-time at Fernau’s Roadside Market during the summer. Braasch grew up near Lake Winnebago, where he developed a passion for fishing, hunting, and swimming. He began sturgeon fishing with his father at the age of nine and has been an active member of the Sturgeon for Tomorrow organization.

Janet Brashler is a forest archeologist with the USDA Forest Service, specializing in prehistoric Native American sites in the Eastern United States. She holds an undergraduate degree in anthropology from Northwestern University, a master's in anthropology from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. from the same institution. Brashler has taught college for seven years and has worked for the Forest Service for almost eight years. Her research interests focus on the adaptation and coping of prehistoric North American Indians, particularly in the Eastern United States.

Frederick Binkowski, an aquaculturist with a significant focus on sturgeon propagation, has contributed extensively to the field of fishery science through both practical and research-oriented endeavors. His career, marked by a dedication to understanding and improving the conditions for raising sturgeon in controlled environments, spans several decades. Binkowski's work has been pivotal in addressing the complexities associated with sturgeon aquaculture, including breeding, egg incubation, and larval rearing.

Michael "Hollywood" Broadway is a seasoned oyster shucker from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his career by teaching himself how to shuck oysters while working as a busboy at an oyster bar. Over the years, he honed his skills and became a senior master shucker at Acme Oyster House, where he has served for over thirty-three years. Broadway is passionate about passing on his knowledge and expertise in oyster shucking, emphasizing the importance of safety, presentation, and professionalism.

Walter Blogoslawski was born in New Britain, Connecticut, on February 8, 1943. He received his Bachelor's from Fairfield University, a Master's in Marine Science at Long Island University, and later a PhD. at Fordham University in 1971. He began working at Milford Laboratory in 1971 as a microbiologist and retired in 2016.

Arthur Bartlett was born in Faversham, Kent County, U.K., on October 25th, 1919. He immigrated to San Pedro in 1923 due to the influenza epidemic in Europe. Bartlett worked in the newspaper business as a young boy and later served in the Air Force during World War II. He also had experience working as a deckhand on a coastwise ship. Bartlett became a reverend and ministered at Beacon Street, an area known for its seafaring community, businesses, and various activities. He was involved in counseling and providing support to individuals in the community, including those in recovery.

Manny Aschemeyer, born on August 12, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland, is the Executive Director of the Marine Exchange of Southern California. He has been involved with the organization since its independence as a standalone nonprofit entity in 1995. Aschemeyer's career has been dedicated to the maritime industry, particularly in the Southern California area. His work involves overseeing the operations of the Marine Exchange, which serves as a maritime information clearinghouse, providing essential vessel movement and position data to maritime-related entities.

Mary Aspinall, a farmer, has lived in the Stonewall Jackson Lake area for forty years. Originally from the Roanoke area, she and her husband moved to their current farm after the dam was proposed on the West Fork River. Prior to their current farming endeavors, the Aspinalls owned a farm in the Roanoke area. Their decision to relocate was influenced by the proposed construction of a dam on the West Fork River, which promised new opportunities and challenges for the local agricultural community.

Marc Basnight was a prominent figure in North Carolina politics, serving as a state senator for over 25 years. He was known for his advocacy for coastal communities and the fishing industry. Born and raised in North Carolina, Basnight's career was deeply influenced by his connection to the state's coastal communities and his understanding of the challenges they face. Throughout his tenure in the state senate, he was known for his advocacy on behalf of fishing communities, pushing for legislation that aimed to protect natural resources and support local industries.

Alvah M. Bearse was a prominent figure in the history of Hyannis, Massachusetts, with his life story intricately linked to the development of this Cape Cod town. Born into a family with deep local roots, Bearse witnessed the transformation of Hyannis from a quaint village to a bustling center of commerce and tourism. His grandparents were well-known in the community, engaging in various trades that contributed to the town's economy and culture. Bearse's upbringing was characterized by a blend of traditional education and practical skills, which later influenced his career choices.

Jerry Aspland was born in 1940 in Richmond, California. He first got involved with the Port of Los Angeles in the 1960s. As a young captain, he faced challenges due to his age, such as being passed over for a port pilot position because he was considered too young. As the president of ARCO Marine, he was involved in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez incident and played a role in the advancement of tanker safety regulations, which had a significant impact on the Port of Los Angeles.

Tom Bergess, a Long Island native, grew up in an area where clamming was a popular occupation, and relocated to Sneads Ferry, North Carolina.  He was inspired to become a clammer by neighbors who were involved in the trade. Bergess has been clamming for approximately thirty years and enjoys the physical labor and the freedom of being his own boss, working on the water, and being outside. He has also been involved in discussions about creating a scholarship fund for high school students and a memorial for fishermen who have lost their lives at sea.

Larry Benedict, born in Oshkosh in 1932, has been involved in sturgeon spearing for over 55 years, having learned the sport from his father. He has consistently participated in sturgeon spearing, only missing one year due to heart surgery. Larry's wife, Lynn Benedict, born in Chicago in 1936, became interested in sturgeon spearing through her husband and has been an active participant, having speared around 20 sturgeons. Over the years, the couple has shared experiences of sturgeon spearing, including memorable catches and challenges faced while out on the ice.

Eugene Biettler was born in Winchester, Wisconsin, on October 13th, 1940. He grew up in a family of four children, with two brothers and two sisters. His father worked for Winnebago County, while his mother was a housekeeper. His introduction sturgeon fishing began in 1962, following his completion of a course at Reinhart School, which sparked his initial interest in the activity. Biettler was known for his involvement in the community and tradition of sturgeon spearing, often sharing stories and experiences related to this activity.

Dr. Emory Anderson was born on September 11, 1939, in Kenmare, North Dakota. He attended Dana College, majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Physics. After graduating, he became a high school math teacher. After two years of teaching, Anderson decided he wanted to pursue a career involving wildlife and the outdoors. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he first took preliminary science courses to prepare him for graduate school. During this time, he worked as a fish hatchery technician, encouraging him to pursue fisheries science.

Vaughn Anthony earned his Bachelor's in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Maine, his Master's in Fisheries from the University of Michigan, and earned his PhD. in Fisheries from the University of Washington. He began his career with the U.S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries in the early 1960's working on quantitative stock assessments. After earning his PhD, he returned to the Boothbay Lab before its' closure. He then moved to Woods Hole to continue his work. From 1977 to 1980, he worked for the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

Charles Brower is a seasoned fisherman and bayman, hailing from a long line of individuals who have made their living off the waters. Born and raised in Baldwin Harbor, he began his fishing journey at the young age of 15 under the tutelage of his father, who taught him the art of cod fishing. Brower Avenue itself is named after his great-grandfather, showcasing the family's deep connection to the fishing industry. Throughout his career, Charles Brower primarily engaged in net fishing, specifically using a gillnet.

Ed Brown was born and raised in a rural setting on his family farm.  At the time of the interivew, he served as the Sheriff of Sneads Ferry.

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. 

Carroll Dee Brown was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma in 1927. In 1944, he moved to the port area of Los Angeles to work as a welder. He met his wife at a dance in Redondo and they were married for fifty-four years. After his initial three months at the port, Brown did not return to work there but continued working in construction and shipyards. 

Gwen Bowe, a resident of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has been sturgeon fishing on Lake Winnebago since 1980. Her first catch was a significant one, marking the beginning of her independent fishing endeavors. This fish she speared was eventually donated to Case Western Reserve University when Robert Kennedy, Jr. contacted Bill Casper about getting a sturgeon to display in the museum. Prior to that, she had accompanied her husband on fishing trips but had not actively fished herself. 

Captain Carl William Fisher, NOAA (retired) was born in Canandaigua, New York on April 12, 1942.  He graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 1960 and was honored as a Graduate of Distinction in 2019.  He graduated from the State University of New York Maritime College in 1965 with a U. S. Merchant Marine License and a B.S. degree in Meteorology and Oceanography.  He was Commissioned as an Officer in the U.S.

Jerry Collins, a lifelong resident of the Sayville area in Bay Shore, was born there and spent most of his life in the region, except for his military service. His father worked as a fisherman, clammer, and oysterman, instilling in Jerry a deep connection to the maritime activities of the area. Growing up, Jerry often accompanied his father into the bay, although he admits that he probably got in his way more often than not. In 1946, Jerry began his full-time involvement in clamming, primarily as a tonger. He has primarily worked in Islip town but has also worked in surrounding towns.

Dr. Michael S. Wetz is a marine scientist with a deep-rooted interest in sharks, plankton ecology, and water quality. His fascination with marine life began at a young age, sparked by watching the movie "Jaws" and annual family vacations to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Born and raised in a small village in southeastern Ohio, Dr. Wetz's early life was far removed from the ocean. His parents, particularly his mother, nurtured his interest by taking him to the library to read about sharks and visiting SeaWorld near Cleveland, Ohio. Dr.

Jonathan (Jon) Hare was born and raised in upstate New York. He completed his graduate work at SUNY Stony Brook. His dissertation focused on bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix). He completed his post-doctoral work at the NMFS lab in Beaufort, North Carolina working on recruitment dynamics of several species. After seven years, he moved to the Narragansett Lab in 2005 where he became head of the Oceanography Program, a position he still holds as of this interview.

Laura Anderson, a third-generation commercial fisherwoman, began fishing with her father at the age of 14, engaging in salmon trawling and crab fishing along the Northern California coast. Her experiences as a female in the male-dominated fishing industry were shaped by her father's accommodating approach, which made her time on the boat more comfortable. After her fishing years, Laura studied marine policy and science in college.

Jack Combs was born on May 1, 1988, and grew up in Freeport and Massapequa, Long Island. He spent his childhood surrounded by the bay and developed a deep connection to the marine environment. Jack's family owned a bay house and a houseboat on Goose Creek. His father and grandfather played significant roles in shaping his love for the bay, with fishing trips in Greenport and oyster shucking being regular activities. He later took over Captain Jack's Bait Station, where he continued the family tradition of stunts and tricks to entertain customers.

Frank Cona, a fifth-generation fisherman from Macata, a small town in southern Sicily, Italy, was born on June 7, 1987.  Cona grew up in a fishing family.  At six, Frank began assisting his father and older brother on their family’s dragger boats, primarily cleaning fish and eventually becoming a captain.  In his hometown of Macata, shellfishing was not practiced; instead, Frank's fishing endeavors revolved around haul seining for sardines and anchovies.

Edgar, Alma Moran, and Jerome Felix Timmons of Harris Neck Oysters and Seafood LLC.

Darwin Gale, Jr. is a commercial fishermen based in Darien, Georgia. 

Francie Arnett, a native of St. Clairsville, Ohio, is a woman of Polish descent who has a deep-rooted connection to her heritage and family. Raised in a close-knit family, she has a profound understanding of her siblings' careers, particularly her brother's role in the oil and gas industry. This understanding has significantly shaped her perspective on the industry's impact on her community. Arnett's educational journey and career path have also played a crucial role in her life, further influencing her views on the oil and gas sector.

Greg Guannel is the director of the Caribbean Green Technology Center at the University of the Virgin Islands. He is a civil engineer by training and has a background in coastal engineering and hazard risk reduction by ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs. Guannel focuses on issues of infrastructure resilience, energy independence, and waste reduction. He resides on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and his work encompasses the entire Virgin Islands region.

Bob's family has a long history in the fishing industry. His great-grandfather, J.H. Doxsee, started a clam canning business in Islip, known as "J.H. Doxsee & Son."

Bob Doxsee Jr. is a coastal resident with a family history in the seafood industry. He has been involved in projects related to coastal erosion, including the construction of rock jetties and bulkheads. Doxsee has also been involved in the transportation of shells to create a reef. His family business utilized a scissor lift and dump body truck to dump shells seaward. Doxsee has firsthand experience with coastal erosion, having witnessed the impact of storms on properties along Ocean Boulevard.

This is one of a set of 15 oral histories with Portuguese immigrant fishermen who worked out of the port of New Bedford. The project was sponsored by a NOAA Preserve America grant. In this interview Antonio Borges talks about his long experience as a fisherman in Portugal and the U.S., including fishing techniques used in cod fishing in the Grand Banks, where he had to help sew a shroud to "bury" a co-worker who died at sea. He also describes social and cultural traditions in his native village as well New Bedford, including extensive views on religion.

Bill Hamilton is a long-time member and representative of the Brookhaven Baymens' Association (BBA) based in Patchogue, New York. He has been involved in the organization since his time in Islip Town, where he initially participated in the barmen's alliance and collaborated with Brookhaven Town due to their shared work in Brookhaven waters. Hamilton joined BBA in the 1970s when the association primarily focused on clamming issues, particularly related to the use of town lands and underwater areas for clamming and oystering.