Rosa emigrated to America from El Salvador and works cleaning fish at a seafood processing plant. Rosa discusses her job training, work with scallops and fish cleaning on the night shift.

This oral history was produced in 2017 as part of the Workers on the Waterfront Oral History Project conducted by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center with funding from an Archie Green Fellowship provided by the Library of Congress.

Tomas Calil is from Guatemala and is a supervisor at Bergie’s Seafood.  He has been working at Bergie’s for 15 years and knows all aspects of production at the plant.

This oral history was produced in 2017 as part of the Workers on the Waterfront Oral History Project conducted by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center with funding from an Archie Green Fellowship provided by the Library of Congress.

Santos Tebalan is from Guatemala and now works in New Bedford painting fishing industry boats. Tebalan shares information about his early years in America, his current work as a boat painter and his thoughts on the future of the fishing industry.

This oral history was produced in 2017 as part of the Workers on the Waterfront Oral History Project conducted by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center with funding from an Archie Green Fellowship provided by the Library of Congress.

Frank Heller and Jack Collins, two friends and prospective aquaculturists from Brunswick, ME, share anecdotes from their life including how Heller broke his leg while walking on Popham Beach, was treated by the same doctor as Stephen King, and few years later, broke his wrist in the same location as the leg. Both men are interested in organic ocean farming and discuss the information they learned at the Forum about oyster aquaculture and seasteads.

John McMillan, the owner of McMillan Offshore Survival Training and resident of Belfast, ME, and Don Wagner, one of his employees, offer the Drill Conductor Course to lobstermen. Both focus on the importance of safety training in the lobster industry and include stories of the gratitude people have expressed at knowing what to do in emergency situations, particularly when their training was able to save multiple lives.

John Peabody is an offshore lobsterman, although he maintains licenses for many species, out of Point Judith, RI. He is an owner/operator of a boat that goes out on multi-day fishing trips. He focuses heavily on the importance of fishing for a diversity of species and his frustration with there being too many regulations and too much paperwork to maintain each permit. He also speaks about his satisfaction in proving scientists wrong when they are not willing to listen to fishermen’s observations.

Marina Cucuzza, a marine researcher from Boston, MA, is currently working on her thesis which assesses the capacity for sustainability in coastal communities. She discusses buzz words such as resilience and sustainability which she finds important to define and what she has come across in her projects so far. She talks about her experiences working on a whale watch, living in Canada, and working intensely with people as well as how her experiences have driven her interest in science and given her an understanding of how multifaceted situations can be.

Merritt Carey, from Tennent’s Harbor, ME, grew up summering in Maine and is now a key member of the Maine Aquaculture Co-op. In this interview, she recounts her experiences working Maine, including delivering lobster, being a crew member in the second all-female crew to participate in an around-the-world sailing race, and buying a wharf and forming the Maine Aquaculture Co-op. Her goal is to make sure that aquaculture money stays at the shore.

Krista Tripp, a lobsterman from Spruce Head, ME, speaks about her childhood experiences fishing, going through the lobster apprenticeship program, and how her grandfather supported her desire to become a lobsterman. She addresses the realities of being a new, late, and female fisherman in this area and expresses her excitement at seeing more women on the water.

Marcia Beal Brazer, from Ogunquit, ME, shares a personal story about her husband Norman Brazer, a lobsterman, who got tangled in a lobster buoy rope and fell overboard while fishing near Boon Island, ME. N. Brazer was lucky that he was carrying a knife and was able to untangle himself; however, when he surfaced, he could not find his boat. Luckily, another lobsterman, Mark Sewell, noticed N. Brazer’s body floating and took him to the hospital. After three rounds of CPR, N. Brazer finally responded. He is still a lobsterman. M.

Leif Albertson is an IT project manager residing in Phippsburg, Maine. His family has a deep-rooted history in commercial fishing in Maine, which influenced his decision to relocate his family to Maine. Albertson is an avid recreational fisherman and owns a fishing boat, which was a gift from his father. He is involved in recreational lobster fishing and holds a commercial license for tuna fishing. Albertson's family members, including cousins, are involved in lobster and shrimp fishing.

Glenn Robbins is a herring and lobster fisherman out of Rockland, ME. He has extensive experience on the sea as he started fishing when he was 12 years old. He compares purse seining and trawling and talks about their effects on marine ecosystems. Robbins also speaks about the changes, as well as the rises and falls, in the fisheries over the past 60 years. Robbins emphasizes how important it is to fish sustainably and protect fishing grounds.

Tony Sougstad is a seasoned fisherman and the captain of the boat E.T. He is also the owner, chief cook, and bottle washer of the boat. His fishing activities are strictly ocean-based and vary by the seasons. He mainly fishes for whiting and fluke. Sougstad is also skilled in making nets and other necessary fishing gear. He is a dedicated worker, emphasizing the importance of perseverance even during tough times. Sougstad is also involved in the marketing side of his business, selling his catch to various markets, including the New York Fulton Fish Market.

Mike and Helen Van Essendelft live in Oakdale, New York. Mike Van Essendelft, born on April 16, 1908, worked for Bluepoints, a renowned oyster company, for over 12 years. Starting as a waiter at the Snapper Inn, Mike eventually became a sales assistant at Bluepoints and worked his way up to the position of sales manager. Helen Van Essendelft supported the oyster industry by shucking and freezing oysters for Birdseye. Together, Mike and Helen provide a unique perspective on the history and operations of the fishing industry in West Sayville.

Tom Kuhner is a fisherman from Long Island with a lifelong engagement in the local fishing industry. His early years were marked by a deep connection to the traditional practices of fishing and clamming, which he began as a child. Kuhner's initial foray into the industry started with a bait business, which eventually expanded into eeling and crabbing. Over the years, he transitioned to working on larger boats, facing the challenges of crew recruitment and adapting to the evolving landscape of the fishing industry.

Interview with Tom Jefferies

This is an interview with Leonard "Lenny" Nilson, conducted by Steve Warrick on July 15, 2000, at L & L Bait and Tackle in Islip, Long Island. Lenny Nilson was born in July 1947 in Bay Shore, Long Island. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in commercial fishing, with his father immigrating from Sweden in 1929 and establishing a fishing and bait business on West Fire Island. Nilson's early years were spent working alongside his father, gaining hands-on experience in the industry.

Rick Verity is a skilled bayman who learned the art of eeling from his father, Elwood Verity. Growing up in Blue Point, Rick's family has a long history of working on the bay, with his grandfather, Bill Verity, being a lobster catcher. Rick began his bay adventures at the age of three or four, accompanying his father to rake clams in the bay. His father taught him the best spots and techniques for clamming, including treading clams in the soft mud. Over the years, Rick and his father expanded their expertise, engaging in activities such as combing and setting traps for eels.

Tony DiBernardo was born in 1928 on the island of Ischia, located off the coast of Naples, Italy. Tony's father, born in 1888, was a fisherman who supported his family by fishing off the coast of Africa. In November 1938, Tony, along with his mother and two older sisters, joined his father in San Pedro, California. Settling in San Pedro, Tony began his education at Cabrillo Avenue School, where he learned English in a class designed for new immigrants. Tony worked shining shoes at a local barbershop and later in a shoe repair shop and a produce market.

Sylvain De Guise is an academic and researcher specializing in marine spatial planning. His career includes significant contributions to developing and implementing environmental management plans, notably the Blue Plan for Long Island Sound. De Guise's expertise lies in understanding and documenting natural resources and human activities within marine environments. His work often involves engaging with stakeholders to create comprehensive, data-driven plans that balance ecological preservation with sustainable development.

Dale and Paula Dearing, originally from Tucson, Arizona, moved to Port Orford, Oregon, shortly after their marriage. Dale was introduced to commercial fishing through a friend of his church pastor, a fisherman in Port Orford. Dale fished commercially for one year with his contact before operating independently for 15 years. Paula supported the transition and participated in fishing activities with Dale.

Jodie Davis, fish house operator and shrimper, has been immersed in the fishing industry from an early age. The Davis family has a long-standing tradition of involvement in commercial fishing, spanning multiple generations. Davis has been part of the family’s seafood business, transitioning from shrimping to managing various aspects of the operation. Davis is responsible for overseeing the processing and distribution of seafood, including washing and packing shrimp, retailing locally, and wholesaling to markets and restaurants in other states, such as Alabama.

Vickie Davis is a resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, where she has lived her entire life. Vickie is married to Billy Davis, whose father started a family tradition of shrimping, which his three sons and one daughter, married to another fisherman, continue to this day. Vickie contributes to the family business part-time while also working as a dental hygienist. She assists her husband in managing their fish house, where they process and sell shrimp and fish. Vickie’s role in the business includes packing seafood brought to the dock and engaging in retail and wholesale transactions.

Michael Zucker is a Pacific Salmon and Albacore Fisherman. At first when he started in 1971 in Santa Barbara he fished for rockfish and a decade after that, in 1981, he owned his first boat named "The Alliance." He has the resources and networks to change his lifestyle and career but he stayed in the fishing industry because he was greatly attracted to the fishing lifestyle. He saw the fishing industry as a tribe that would gather together during salmon season, which would make him so much more excited about fishing The U.S.

Joyce was born and raised in Fitzgerald, Georgia.  She attended Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee; then, she briefly taught grade school and high school in Fitzgerald. She applied for a biological technician position at the Beaufort Laboratory and was hired in 1955; she initially worked for the Lab Director, Dr. Chipman. Her Lab duties involved sampling fishes and invertebrates and rearing algae cultures for the Shellfish Section of the Lab. Joyce was promoted to a Fishery Biologist position. Later, Joyce worked for Dr.

Oral history interview with Justine Arian.

Interview with Eliza Lillian Crosby Nutt

B.J. Copeland, born on November 20th, 1936, in a country home near Mannsville, has had a significant impact on the fisheries of North Carolina. He has an extensive educational background and has served in the Zoology Department at North Carolina State University. Copeland was initially appointed to the Marine Fisheries Commission in the 1980s under Governor James G. "Jim" Martin's "Egghead Commissions." Throughout his career, he has been involved in numerous public hearings and has worked to foster communication and interaction between different stakeholders in the fisheries sector.

Haze Diemel Jr.'s family is from the Wolf River region of Wisconsin. His grandfather, Herman Diemel, established the family’s presence in the area, initially utilizing the land for gardening and farming. Haze Sr. established a tavern there in 1932. Haze Jr. grew up on the family farm, which included cultivated land and woodland and participated in traditional fishing practices from an early age. Haze Jr. continued the family tradition of sturgeon fishing, a practice that spanned multiple generations.

George De La Torre Jr. was born in 1935 in Wilmington, California. His father, of Mexican heritage, migrated from Mexico in the early 1920s with his family, initially settling in Arizona before moving to California. His grandfather worked for a railroad company. George’s mother, of Japanese descent, came to the United States with her parents, who established a small grocery store in Wilmington. During World War II, George's family temporarily lived with relatives in Los Angeles to avoid being sent to internment camps.

Lorenzo DiCarlo was born in 1924 in San Pedro, California. He spent his entire life there and worked in his family's bakery business. Lorenzo's family immigrated to the United States at the turn of the 20th century, initially settling in Steubenville, Ohio, before moving to San Pedro. His grandfather, after working on the railroad, started a bakery in Ohio, which later relocated to San Pedro following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. 

Matty Domancich was born in 1922 in San Pedro, California. His parents emigrated from Hvar, Croatia, then part of Yugoslavia, with his father arriving before 1910 and his mother around 1920. Matty's father was a fisherman who passed away in 1934, and his mother worked in a cannery during the Great Depression. Matty grew up in a neighborhood known as the Balkans, a predominantly Croatian and Italian community in San Pedro. He spoke both Croatian and English from a young age.

Robert R. DeCosta was born on May 17, 1959, in Miami, Florida, and moved to Nantucket when he was three weeks old. Growing up in Nantucket, he began his career in the fishing industry at nine, working as a mate on his father's charter boat, the Albacore. Over the years, DeCosta took on various roles within the fishing industry, including construction work in the off-season and selling real estate. He became the captain of the Albacore in 1994 following the passing of his father.

John Di Bernardo was born in 1947 in San Pedro, California. His parents emigrated from Ischia, Italy, to San Pedro. His father was a fisherman who owned several boats. Eventually, his father worked on his uncle's boat, the Santa Maria, until retiring when John was nine years old. John's mother worked in the canneries and the harbor on Terminal Island during World War II. In 1985, John began working for Stevedoring Services of America (SSA), starting as a superintendent and later managing the Indies Terminal and overseeing its expansion into the YTI Terminal.

Jess Hawkins is a seasoned Marine Biologist who has dedicated his career to the management and conservation of marine fisheries. Born and raised in Bath, North Carolina, Hawkins developed a love for the outdoors, fishing, and hunting from a young age. This passion led him to pursue a career in marine biology. Hawkins began his career as a Fisheries Biologist with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, initially working as a Field Biologist in Little Washington before transitioning to an administrative role in Morehead City.

Frank Tursi is a Brooklyn, New York native who grew up with a deep appreciation for the coastal environment. His early experiences fishing and exploring the local geography of Brooklyn sparked his interest in coastal issues and the environment. Tursi's family moved to North Carolina due to shifts in the garment industry. He pursued Geology studies at East Carolina University and was involved with The Fountainhead newspaper during his tenure there.

Jerry Schill was born and raised in a small agricultural community in Pennsylvania, where his father served as the town's Postmaster. The family also owned a farm, and Schill learned to milk cows by hand from a young age. After high school, he joined the Air Force, during which time he got married. He has been married for nearly 48 years, has four children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Schill moved to North Carolina and became involved in the state's fisheries.

Mac Currin, born in 1950 in Henderson, North Carolina, has had a diverse professional background, primarily centered around marine biology and fisheries. After completing his undergraduate studies, he began his career as a school teacher before transitioning to a research role at N.C. State University, where he worked with Dr. John Miller for approximately 16-17 years. During this time, he also earned his Master's degree. Currin's work focused primarily on research related to small marine fish.

Beverly Perdue is a prominent figure in North Carolina politics, having served as the state's Governor. She has been actively involved in various legislative initiatives, particularly those related to fisheries and environmental issues. Perdue's political career began with her interest in the Democratic Party and her first experiences with politicians in Raleigh. Throughout her career, she has been involved in numerous coastal-related legislations, including the Fisheries Reform Act, which she describes as 'consensus legislation'.

Melvin Shepard is a long-time resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, with deep roots in the community. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Shepard's family has a rich history in Holly Ridge, where his grandfather served as the Atlantic Coastline Railroad Station Master and his grandmother was the Post Mistress. Shepard and his wife, Tilly, have been married since 1955 and have been involved in the commercial fishing industry for many years. Shepard is a unique individual who has managed to balance his interests in commercial fishing and environmental conservation.

Richard "Dick" Brame was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, but grew up in eastern North Carolina. He has a long history of working for not-for-profit organizations, including the Izaak Walton League, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation, and the Coastal Conservation Association (C.C.A.). Brame joined the C.C.A. in 1989 and served as its first Executive Director until 1999. He then transitioned to the role of Fisheries Director, representing the C.C.A. at Atlantic States and South Atlantic council meetings.

Serge Doroshov is an expert in aquaculture, particularly known for his contributions to sturgeon research. He began his career in the Soviet Union, where he gained second-hand experience in sturgeon culture through interactions with a well-known sturgeon culturist. In 1977, Doroshov relocated to the United States, initially lecturing at the University of Washington. In 1979, he secured a position at the University of California, Davis, where he commenced his work in aquaculture.

Helen DiMaggio was born in 1919 in Los Angeles and raised in San Pedro. Her father, originally from what was then Austria and later became Yugoslavia, traveled the world as a young man with a sea captain before settling in Los Angeles. Helen's mother, who came from Mexico, met Helen's father in Los Angeles, where she worked as a waitress. The couple married in 1918 and moved to San Pedro shortly thereafter. Helen's father established a wholesale fish business in San Pedro in 1921, named Star Fisheries, which became a family enterprise.

Peter originally hails from Connecticut, but at an early age, his family moved to Southern Pines, North Carolina. He attended East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, and graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Shortly after graduation, Peter took a brief job with Allied Chemical Company. Peter moved to Carteret County, NC, in 1979 and he accepted a Physical Science Technician position at NOAA’s Beaufort Laboratory in March. Peter worked for Dr. Peter Hanson for his initial five years at the Laboratory; then, he worked for Dr.

Hollis Matthews was born in 1925 and has spent the majority of his life in Eastport, Maine. Before his career as a customs officer, Matthews worked in the local fisheries, where he was involved in the processing of fish for various uses such as canning, fishmeal, pet foods, and scales. He retired from his customs officer position in 1990. Matthews is also known for his extensive collection of photographs, many of which were given to him by members of the community. Wayne Wilcox was born in 1954 and, like Matthews, was born and raised in Eastport, Maine.

Douglas Anderson Jr. was born in 1948, in Rockland, Maine, and has spent his entire life in Port Clyde, Maine, where he currently resides. He comes from a long line of fishermen, with both his mother's and father's sides of the family deeply involved in the fishing industry. His father was contracted to build a herring plant in Port Clyde in the 1940s, and Douglas was introduced to the fishing lifestyle at a young age, much like a child growing up on a farm. His heritage and early exposure to the industry led him to pursue a career in fishing, which he has thoroughly enjoyed.

Eugene Greenlaw, born in 1949, is a lifelong resident of Lubec, Maine, with a brief period of service in the Navy. His first involvement in commercial fishing began with a job at a sardine factory in Lubec, where he worked for 31 years and eventually became the plant manager in 1998. Greenlaw has been commercially fishing for lobster since 1972 and has also fished for scallops, sea urchins, and herring at different times throughout his career.

John Phinney, born in 1967 in Utah, has spent most of his life in Lubec, Maine. His family has a long history in the seafood industry, with his father working as a fish buyer, coordinating with boats and processing plants. In the mid-70s, his family started a business on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, which they sold in the mid-80s to move to Lubec. After serving in the military for six years, Phinney took over the family business in 1998, renaming it Phinney Fisheries.

Edward French, born in 1959, is a lifelong resident of Eastport, Maine, with a deep-rooted history in commercial fishing. His first involvement in the industry was as a crew member on a herring carrier, and he later ventured into tub trawling and scalloping on his own during the summer and fall seasons. In addition to his hands-on experience in the fisheries, French has also covered the industry for the local newspaper, Quoddy Tides.

Hugh French is a lifelong resident of Eastport, Maine, who has witnessed the economic shifts in his community over the years. Although he was never directly involved in the fishing industry, he has a deep understanding of its impact on the local economy, particularly the rise and decline of the sardine industry and the increased dependence on lobstering. French is currently the Director of the Tides Institute, a position that allows him to observe and contribute to the community's development.

Interview with Gary Libby of Port Clyde, ME. Libby was born in Thomaston on April 26, 1958. born in Camden. Lives in Port Clyde, ME. Gary has served on shrimp and groundfish Advisory Panels and on a forage fish group as well. He grew up in Thomaston and started digging clams at 12 years of age. His father purchased a groundfish boat and Gary began to work aboard ship. He has also worked in scallops and aboard trip vessels, dragging for groundfish. He worked on deck for a number of years while fishing with his brother.

Glenn Robbins was born in January of 1947 in Castine, Maine. In this interview, he discusses his work teaching industrial arts and as a commercial fisherman. He has been fishing commercially since 1978.
 

Eoin Rochford is the Plant Manager of the Northern Pelagic Group (NORPEL) fish processing plant in New Bedford, MA. In this interview he discusses the evolution of the fishing industry in New Bedford and New England. He also explains his personal history and career, including his time working as an engineer on fishing boats, fishing in Alaska, updating fishing boats, working at the NORPEL plant in New Bedford, and exporting fish to Nigeria. Mr. Rochford explains his opinions about immigrant workers in America, the future of alternative energies, and the fishing industry.

Edie Mikina was born in Angola, in West Africa, of Portuguese heritage and came to the US in 1970.  She is the owner of Edie and Marie Boat Settlements in New Bedford, which handles accounting work for fishing vessels out of New Bedford and Fairhaven, which she describes as “one business handling 50 businesses.”  She talks about her work and services to fishermen, especially to Portuguese clients, and contrasts past and present in the boat settlement business and in the industry.  This is a lively and informative interview and conveys a great deal of historical and topi

Gunnar Gundersen describes his work as the head of Scandia Propeller Services and Supply, Inc. located in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Scandia works on marine propellers and hydraulics. Gunnar is thirty-seven years old and is a third generation worker in this family-owned business. His great-grandfather immigrated to the United States from Norway and founded the company in 1961.  He has been working at the company since he was sixteen years old. His father recently retired from the day-to-day business operations and Gunnar has stepped in and now heads the company.

Cindy Pettway was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts and grew up in Rochester. She worked at a motorcycle shop and then in 1979 she began working at her father’s shop and has been working there since. She sells Caterpillar parts and engines to local fishermen with her husband. In this interview she describes how the industry has evolved and what her personal experience has been like.

Debra Kelsey of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Growing up, she attended Catholic school and had no interaction with the fishing industry. She initially worked as a commercial printer until she was laid off. She then enrolled as a full-time student at Salter School for 10 months, then began to work as a medical assistant, but didn’t like it. Shortly afterwards she was offered position as a navigator at Fishing Partnership Support Services where she works today.

David Marujo was born in New Bedford in 1968 and has lived in Acushnet since age 18.  He began working at Crystal Ice 31 years ago and has worked his way up to his current job as supervisor.  He describes the process of making different kinds of ice, how the technology has changed in the last 30 years, reflects on the changing waterfront and the trickle down effects on shore-side businesses as quotas restrict fishing days and demand for services, and the next generations are/are not coming into the business.  “The waterfront is nothing like it used to be,” he concludes.

Elias Tsoy discusses his work in the fishing industry as a ship painter, including a typical work day and common boat painting projects; his background in other jobs and his emigration from Guatemala.

This oral history was produced in 2017 as part of the Workers on the Waterfront Oral History Project conducted by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center with funding from an Archie Green Fellowship provided by the Library of Congress.

Guadalupe is an employee at a company that cleans fish. She shares her work experiences and life experiences.

This oral history was produced in 2017 as part of the Workers on the Waterfront Oral History Project conducted by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center with funding from an Archie Green Fellowship provided by the Library of Congress.

Esteban migrated from Guatemala to America and has resided in New Bedford for twenty years. He learned how to weld and work on motors in his homeland and carried these skills to New Bedford. He is a boat mechanic insuring that the fishermen are able to fish in a safe vessel. He has two children and would like to continue the American dream by passing his skills to his children in hopes for their success.

Interview with George Hampson.

Dr. Donald Anderson is a renowned authority on Alexandrium and a leading figure in the study of red tide, a phenomenon that has gained significant attention in relation to climate change. Born in Milwaukee, Dr. Anderson's early life was marked by frequent moves across the country, from Salt Lake City to various locations on the East Coast and California. His father, Earl Anderson, was a marine engineer and a lieutenant in the Marines during World War II, while his mother, Joan Anderson, worked in various jobs for the government. Dr.

Interview with John Kanwisher.

Part 1 - February 11, 2004

Part 2 - August 11, 2004

Interview with John Farrington. 

Interview with Barbara Martineau.

Interview with Edmond Watson.

Interview with Barbara Martineau.

In this interview, Virginia Martins discusses the challenges of being in the fishing industry, including the changes to the industry, the role of women in the fishing industry, and the role of climate change and technology in the fishing industry. She shares her personal work history and her experiences at Bay Fuels, Inc.

This oral history was produced in 2017 as part of the Workers on the Waterfront Oral History Project conducted by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center with funding from an Archie Green Fellowship provided by the Library of Congress.

Valeriano Garcia is from Guatemala and his job is an essential part of the fishing industry in New Bedford. He shares experiences working at a warehouse and skills that are required.

This oral history was produced in 2017 as part of the Workers on the Waterfront Oral History Project conducted by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center with funding from an Archie Green Fellowship provided by the Library of Congress.

Sarah Briscoe is an individual with a rich personal history deeply rooted in the seafood industry and domestic work. Born into a family where her father was a significant influence, Sarah was raised with a strong work ethic and a diverse skill set that was imparted to her at a young age. Her father, a man who shucked oysters and cleaned fish for a living, took on the role of both parents after the untimely death of Sarah's mother during childbirth.

John "Tucker" Brown, born on July 25, 1938, is a lifelong resident of Avenue, Maryland, a small fishing village. He comes from a lineage of watermen, with both his father, Frank Brown, and grandfather, Sam Brown, being watermen. Brown began earning his own money at the age of eight, crabbing in the creek. He worked with his father until his father fell ill, after which he briefly worked for American Airlines before returning home to care for his family. Brown took over his father's fishing crew and has spent his life oystering and clamming up and down the bay.

At that time, you didn’t buy the oysters.  You bought the man and the boat.  Now, the white man got from five to ten cents more on a bushel than the colored person got.  Same oysters, but that’s the way they worked the system.

This interview with Brett Dungan was conducted by Michael Stieber and took place on August 5, 2008. Brett Dungan is the president of Master Marine, a shipyard based in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Dungan moved to Bayou La Batre in January 1978 and has been actively involved in the boat-building industry since then. The interview provides a comprehensive overview of Master Marine’s history and its role in the boat-building industry of Bayou La Batre.

Matthew Barr's interview with Betty Edens, conducted in 2001, provides an in-depth look at her life and experiences in the fishing industry. Betty Edens was born in Key West and grew up in Marathon, Florida. Her family was deeply involved in the fishing and shrimping industries.  Her father was considered a pioneer in the early days of shrimping in the area. The interview covers various aspects of Betty Edens' life, starting with her childhood in Marathon and the tight-knit community of fishermen and their families.

Matthew Barr interviewed Jeremy Edens for the "Wild Caught" oral history project. Edens discusses his family's long-standing involvement in the fishing industry, tracing back to his great-grandfather, who started the family fish house business around 1925. Edens describes growing up in the fishing community, working in the family business from a young age, and eventually taking on more responsibilities after graduating high school in 1995. He discusses the decline in local shrimping and the impact of imported seafood on the domestic market.

Interview with Tom Jefferies

Matthew Barr interviewed Betty Edens in 2003. Betty Edens was born into a fishing family in Key West, Florida, and her family’s legacy in the fishing industry spans generations. Betty Edens discusses the significant transformation in the fishing industry, particularly the encroachment of real estate development on waterfront areas traditionally used for fishing operations. She expresses her concern over the environmental degradation caused by such developments and the loss of vital fish house areas, which she describes as essential for their way of life.

Matthew Barr interviewed Crystal Edens for the "Wild Caught" project. Edens grew up in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, in a fishing family. From a young age, she was involved in various fishing activities, including shrimping, clamming, and working on boats. Edens is pursuing an associate degree in arts and plans to study anthropology at a university in North Carolina, such as UNC Wilmington or East Carolina University. Edens shares her experiences and challenges growing up in a fishing family.

subject: Fishery processing plants--Maryland, Southern; Oyster fisheries--Maryland, Southern; Maryland, Southern--History.

Matthew Barr interviewed Kern Everett for the Wild Caught Oral History Project. Kern Everett is an educator, real estate developer, and lifelong resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Born in 1944, Everett traces his family’s roots in the area back to the early 18th century, highlighting their involvement in farming and commercial fishing. He describes the evolution of Sneads Ferry from a small community with a robust commercial fishing industry in the 1950s to its current state, where the industry has significantly declined.

In 2003, Matthew Barr interviewed Nancy Edens for the "Wild Caught" oral history project. Nancy is an activist for fishermen and a promoter of "Wild-Caught" shrimp. She is actively involved with the Southern Shrimp Alliance and has a background in the shrimping industry, with her husband and family being long-time commercial fishermen in Sneads Ferry. The interview covers significant challenges faced by the shrimping industry in the early 2000s, focusing on the impact of imported shrimp on domestic prices and the formation of the Southern Shrimp Alliance.

Matthew Barr interviewed John Edens in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, for the "Wild Caught" oral history project. John Edens, born and raised in Sneads Ferry, has been involved in fishing since childhood. His family has a long history in the area, with his ancestors being farmers and fishermen dating back to the 1800s. His wife's family is also deeply rooted in the fishing industry, originating from Florida. The interview provides a comprehensive overview of John Edens' life and experiences in the fishing industry.

Matthew Barr interviewed Luther Ennett for the Wild Caught project in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Luther Ennett, a lifelong resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, comes from a family with deep roots in the area. His family has lived in Sneads Ferry since at least 1725, when his great-great-great grandfather, Edmond Ennett, was issued the first license to operate the ferry for which the town is named. In the interview, Ennett reflects on his experiences growing up in Sneads Ferry.

Robert Stewart Edwards was interviewed for the Steamboat Era Museum Oral History Project. Edwards, born on September 30, 1914, was a lifelong resident of Gwynn's Island with deep roots in the community. His family, including the Fosters, operated a canning factory that employed many locals and migrant workers. Edwards himself was involved in the fishing industry and later operated a marine railway with his father. The interview provides a rich account of life on Gwynn's Island, focusing on the local industry and community activities during Edwards' early years.

Matthew Barr interviewed Nancy Edens for the Wild Caught project. Nancy Edens is a member of the Millis family, a long-standing family in Sneads Ferry with deep roots in the local fishing industry. The interview covers several key topics, including the historical and current state of the shrimping industry in Sneads Ferry. Edens reflects on the community's evolution, noting the increase in population and the rise in property values, which have made it difficult for long-time residents to afford waterfront properties.

Michael Kline interviewed Henry Gwyn Edwards for the Steamboat Era Museum Oral History Project. Henry Gwyn Edwards, born on December 18, 1904, in Mill Point, grew up in the area and still resides near his childhood home.  Edwards provides background about his early life, education, and career. He recounts his reluctance to attend school as a child and how his father took him on horseback to his first day of school. He completed his education at Cubs Creek High School, the only high school in the county at that time.

Matthew Barr interviewed John Edens on September 1, 2003, for the "Wild Caught" project. John Edens, a long-time resident of Sneads Ferry, has spent his life in various fishing endeavors, including shrimping, clamming, oystering, and net fishing. The interview begins with Edens discussing the recent fishing season, noting it has been generally good despite some slow periods. He highlights significant issues affecting the shrimping industry, such as the scarcity of shrimp, small sizes, and competition from imports.

Ron Epprecht was interviewed by Eugene Herubin on April 26, 2006, about his skill at decoy carving. Ron Epprecht, a resident of Oshkosh, is a sturgeon spearer and decoy carver. His father worked at Paine Lumber Company and later for the school system, while his mother was a homemaker. Epprecht is a machinist at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac. In the interview, Epprecht discusses his background and the genesis of his interest in decoy carving and sturgeon spearing.

Kathleen Schmitt Kline interviewed Dan Folz on July 10, 2008, for the People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish project. Dan Folz, a seasoned fisheries biologist, began his career with the Wisconsin Conservation Department, later renamed the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Born and raised in Milwaukee, Folz pursued his studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. After graduation, he joined the Five Lakes Research Project in Northern Wisconsin and eventually became an area fish manager.

Matthew Barr interviewed Marvin Everett for the Wild Caught Oral. History Project. Everett is a long-time resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Born before the Great Depression, Everett recounts his childhood experiences in a close-knit community where everyone knew each other by name. He details the agricultural and commercial activities of his father, who transitioned from farming to running a grocery store and later engaging in commercial fishing.

Matthew Barr interviewed David Griffith for the Wild Caught project. David Griffith is a cultural anthropologist and professor at East Carolina University with a background in creative writing. Griffith’s work has focused on various occupational cultures, including farm workers, fishermen, and food processing workers. In this interview, Griffith discusses his academic journey, including his dissertation on Jamaican sugarcane workers at the University of Florida. He draws parallels between the historical migration of Jamaican workers to the U.S.

Frank Rudd interviewed Dorothy Fawcett on May 8, 1978, for the Tales of Cape Cod project. Ms.

Ray Falk was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. He was born on September 23, 1922, on Terminal Island (formerly East San Pedro). Falk's grandfather, a German-born Swede, was an entrepreneurial ship captain who first arrived in San Pedro in 1877. He established a business in the area, including the Pepper Tree Saloon, and invested in property and ships, significantly contributing to the port's early maritime activities. Ray Falk recounts his early life on Terminal Island, where his father operated a fishing boat with a Japanese crew.

Dick Koerner interviewed Bob Frank for the People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish project. Bob Frank, born in 1932 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has been a resident of Neenah, Wisconsin, and an avid participant in the sturgeon spearing tradition for over fifty-five years. In this interview, Frank shares insights into the evolution of sturgeon spearing, reflecting on the changes in regulations and techniques over the decades.

Joan Milke Flores was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Joan Milke Flores is a prominent political figure and long-time resident of Los Angele. She began her political journey by connecting with individuals and various community groups andn introduced the "Day in the District" initiative, allowing her to interact closely with constituents and understand their needs better. In the interview, Flores reflects on her upbringing in a politically active family, with her father involved in union activities.

Matthew Barr interviewed William Everett for the Wild Caught project. Born in 1928, William Everett is a lifelong resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Everett describes his family's deep roots in the community, with a continuous presence since just after the Civil War. After serving in the Air Force, Everett chose to return to Sneads Ferry due to the improvements that had taken place during his absence, particularly valuing the community's quietness and slow pace of life. In the interview, Everett discusses the local fishing and farming practices that defined his upbringing.

Matthew Barr interviewed Tommy Everett on July 19, 2000, for the Wild Caught project. Tommy Everett is a lifelong resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and works for LT Everett & Sons Seafood. Everett's father initiated the business around 1940, constructing a small building to provide local fishermen a place to market their catch. Over the decades, the business faced challenges such as hurricanes and a fire in 1980, each time rebuilding and modernizing. Everett took over the family business in 1971, partnering with his brother.

On May 6, 1987, Nancy Solomon interviewed brothers Lenny and Danny Koch as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History Collection. Lenny and Danny grew up in Baldwin, New York, where their family developed deep ties to the boating and fishing industries. Their grandfather was a captain and their father, along with many other relatives, worked as a fisherman in the region. Lenny’s career along the eastern seaboard has included diverse activities, from shrimping in Florida to dragging off the Connecticut shoreline.

Matthew Barr interviewed Paul Huie for the Wild Caught project. Paul Huie is a fisher, clammer, and lifelong resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Born into a family with strong ties to both farming and fishing, Huie grew up immersed in the maritime culture of the region. His father, originally from Arkansas, settled in Sneads Ferry after his service in the military, establishing a seafood business that dealt in oysters, clams, shrimp, and various fish, hauling them to markets as far as Baltimore, Maryland.