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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Virginia Brownell was born in 1922 in Larimore, North Dakota. During her early years, she worked at the telephone office in Huron, South Dakota. Her journey to San Pedro, California, began when her future husband, who worked in the telephone company, decided to relocate to California before the outbreak of World War II. He initially worked in Ventura before securing a position in the San Pedro office. Virginia transferred to the San Pedro telephone office around the same time, coinciding with the events of Pearl Harbor.

Max Mayfield was born on September 19, 1948, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma, earning a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology. He began his career with the National Weather Service in 1972 and held various positions within the organization before becoming the director of the National Hurricane Center in 2000. Mayfield pursued further education at Florida State University, obtaining a Master of Science degree in Meteorology. During his tenure, he provided expertise and guidance during numerous significant hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Tim Potter is the personnel director of the town of Grundy in Grundy, Virginia. He is involved in addressing the town's opportunities and challenges, particularly focusing on the flood project with the Corps of Engineers. 

B.G. Thompson, whose family has been in the seafood industry another for generations, in one way or another, was interviewed on August 22, 2008. Mr. Thompson spoke of his family's involvement in the seafood industry, which included oystering and shrimping. Mr. Thompson related that his father used to own an oyster canning plant in Coden, Alabama and brought an empty can he has kept over the years to show us. Mr. Thompson, who worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service for 27 years, also spoke in great detail about regulations that have affected the fishing industry in the area.

Milton Zirlott, of Coden, Alabama, was interviewed on August 7, 2008 along with his wife, Midge. Mr. Zirlott's family has also been in the seafood industry for generations, specifically in oystering, net making, boat building, shrimping, and retailing aspects. Mr. Zirlott, now retired, shrimped most of his life and at one point owned several shrimp boats. This profession took Mr. Zirlott to many destinations besides the Gulf Waters, including South America and Africa.

Oral history interview with Torrance Parker. 

Frances Cahoon Shepherd grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by close-knit families in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. She is a knowledgeable source on the history of the Woods Hole fishing industry. Mrs. Shepherd was married to fisherman Kenneth Shepherd and is the daughter of Samuel T. Cahoon, owner of the fish market in Woods Hole from 1913-1914 until 1962.

Gloria Radmilovich was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Radmilovich was born in 1938 in San Pedro, California, to a Yugoslavian father who worked as a fisherman and a mother from Sacramento. Her father was particularly known for his cooking, both at home and aboard fishing boats, where he worked as a cook. Radmilovich grew up in a close-knit community in San Pedro, where she enjoyed a vibrant childhood filled with family gatherings, music, and cultural events.

Part 1: Born in 1908, Mr. Smith tells us that he is a fifth generation Simeon. He is 69 and lives in Eastham. His grandfather built the Orleans post office and owned several houses in the area. Mr. Smith was born at Whalewalk Farm, a local landmark in Orleans. He remembers his grandmother's story of his grandfather told to deposit an unwanted family of cats on Simpson's Island where he had corn fields. At the end of the day he found they had left the  island and gone back to the mainland.

On March 16, 1985, Michael Kline interviewed Francine Snyder for a project related to the impacts of the Stonewall Jackson Dam project in Lewis County, West Virginia. Snyder, a local resident, provides detailed accounts of her experiences and those of her family and neighbors during the planning and construction of the dam. She discusses the emotional and physical toll the project took on the community, particularly in terms of displacement and the destruction of family homes and historic buildings.

On December 19, 1984, Michael Kline interviewed John Reed, head of public relations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for an oral history project focusing on the Stonewall Jackson Dam removal in Lewis County, West Virginia. John Reed, who traveled from Pittsburgh to the dam site, discussed the complexities of the dam's construction and the extensive planning and coordination required among different districts and federal agencies.

On March 7, 1985, Michael Kline interviewed Aubrey West for a project documenting the removal of the Stonewall Jackson Dam in Lewis County, West Virginia. Aubrey West, a lifelong resident of the area, shares extensive memories of the region, his family, and the impacts of the dam project on his community. West begins by discussing the changes to local homes and properties, notably the destruction of the Stonicker family home, which he remembers as a significant loss.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

"[Capt.]Will Benson grew up on the waters of the Florida Keys. With a push pole in one hand and a camera in the other, Will has guided his clients and his audience to amazing memories on the flats and on film. His lifelong passion for the ocean is the heart and soul of WorldANGLING. As a professional guide he knows what it takes to create unforgettable experiences on the water and brings an immense dedication to the guide profession.

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, Mr. Palhais talks about his life in a small fishing village in Portugal, how he came to the U.S. and his experience living and fishing in New Bedford. Included in his history is a very detailed description of fishing techniques in the mouth of the Mondego River in Figueira da Foz as well as salt-making techniques in the same area and in Angola.

Laura Jay Grove is a research fishery biologist at the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) in Miami. Jay received her B.S. in marine biology from the University of New Hampshire, M.S. in marine science from the University of New England and Ph.D. in fisheries from Auburn University. She joined NOAA in 2016 and is presently the Coral Reef Conservation Program’s National Coral Reef Monitoring Program’s (NCRMP) SEFSC lead. In this role, she is the lead fish data scientist ensuring high quality data collection and analysis.

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 Mr. Testa talks about his life prior to coming to the U.S., including fishing, social and religious traditions. Part of that description, includes his tuna-fishing experience in North Africa, and cod-fishing in the Grand Banks during the World War II. He also describes what brought him to the U.S.

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 João Fernandes describes his childhood in Portugal as the son of a fisherman, his training to work in the same profession as his father and how he came to Louisiana to work in the shrimp fisheries with other Portuguese immigrants.

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 Mr. Bilhano talks about his life prior to coming to the U.S., including fishing, social and religious traditions. He also relates what brought him to the U.S.

Margaret Miller is the Research Director for SECORE International, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to creating and sharing the tools and technologies to sustainably restore coral reefs worldwide.  She leads SECORE’s research strategy and fosters research collaborations with scientific partners. Margaret serves on the US-Acropora Recovery Implementation Team (ARIT) and as a Councilor-At-Large for the International Coral Reef Society.

Dr. Ian Enochs is the co-principal investigator of ACCRETE (Acidification, Climate, and Coral Reef Ecosystems TEam), NCRMP (National Coral Reef Monitoring Program), and AOAT (Atlantic Ocean Acidification Test-bed (NOAA) ). Dr. Enochs is the principal investigator of three projects: 1) Maug: a rare ocean acidification hotspot in US waters, 2) Incorporating Risk from Ocean Acidification into Acropora nurseries, and 3) Establishing numeric nutrient criteria for Southeast Florida Reefs. Enochs graduated cum laude from the University of Miami in 2006 and later earned his Ph.D.

Dr. Arthur C. Petersen was born and raised in the historic waterfront town of Frederiksted, located on the western end of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. He lived there through his childhood years until 1971, when he left for the US mainland to attend Cornell University on a full scholarship. After obtaining his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1982, he permanently returned to the islands. Dr.

Dr. Pablo A. Méndez Lázaro is an Associate Professor at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus. With expertise in geography and environmental sciences, he leads research on climate change and health, contributing to national and international assessments.

Kristin Wilson Grimes is an Assistant Professor of Research at the University of the Virgin Islands with a joint appointment in the Department of Biology and the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies. She also serves as the director for the Virgin Islands Water Resources Research Institute, a territorial and federal partnership between the territory and the United States Geological Survey.

Brenda Torres is the Executive Director of the San Juan Bay National Estuary Program, a 501(c)(3) organization that is part of the National Estuary Program. She has been in this role for 24 years and is responsible for managing the program's operations and initiatives. Torres is based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has a strong platform with the right contacts and resources to quickly react and deploy resources in response to environmental challenges. She has been involved in managing issues related to renewable energy, mental health support, and comprehensive water quality sampling.

Marianela Torres Rodríguez is a professional working in the Department of Natural Resources, currently leading the division responsible for monitoring the water plan. She resides in the Aturrey community, having grown up in the southern region of Guánica, known for its dry forest. Marianela has been actively involved in addressing past droughts, particularly the 2015 drought and extreme weather events. Her experiences and expertise have led her to develop strategies to improve resilience to future droughts and other climate events.

Soledad Gaztambide is involved in environmental management and research, particularly focused on tropical forestry. She is currently employed as the Environmental Policy and Government Relations Coordinator at the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. Previously, Soledad worked with an Environmental Justice organization in New York City, focusing on advocating for public transportation, bike safety, and pedestrian infrastructure. She holds a Master's degree in urban and environmental policy and planning, and before that,  worked as a GIS Analyst in a Planning Office.

Felix Aponte-Gonzalez is a Puerto Rican urban planner and environmental manager who has lived in both rural and urban areas of Puerto Rico. He has experienced droughts and extreme weather events, including the severe drought from 1992 to 1994, which led to significant water rationing. His professional work involves planning and managing urban spaces and environmental resources. Aponte-Gonzalez has been involved in coordinating efforts to address drought events, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach involving various agencies.

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 Manuel Catulo talks about his life in Portugal, including his experience aboard a freighter and living under the Salazar dictatorship. He also describes how he came to the U.S., his experience as a fisherman and boat owner and his hobby making boat models. In addition, he provides information on social and cultural practices among Portuguese fishing families in New Bedford

Julie Archer was born on January 31, 1971, and is a native of West Virginia. She grew up near Parkersburg, in a suburb called Vienna. Her father, Gary Archer, worked in a heating and insulating plant and was involved in union organizing, which influenced Julie's early exposure to activism. Her mother, Karen Carpenter Archer, originally from Iowa, met Gary while working at the Pentagon during the Vietnam War. Julie pursued a degree in biology and developed an interest in environmental issues during college.

Greg Arnett was born on April 17, 1953, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, in a neighborhood characterized by small, family-run shops and a strong sense of community. In the 1960s, his family moved to the suburbs of Reynoldsburg, a rapidly developing area transitioning from farmland to suburban housing. After high school, Greg moved to Connecticut with friends, where he lived in a communal setting and worked various jobs. He married Francie in 1972, and they spent a few years in Connecticut before moving back to Ohio to manage a commercial fruit and vegetable farm in Norwalk.

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.

Mike Ross was born on November 8, 1937. His father, originally from Italy, migrated to the United States with his brothers, recruited by a coal company to work in West Virginia. Settling in the Weaver/Colton area, his father met and married his mother, whose family also hailed from Italy. Ross grew up in a large family with 14 children, nine boys and five girls, learning the values of competition and hard work from an early age. His father worked as a coal miner, and the family lived in a company house, managing a garden to supplement their food supply.

Andrew Arnett, 26 years old at the time of the interview, is a captain of Jonah crab and scallop boats in New Bedford, MA. He has been fishing since age 16 and running boats since age 22. As one of the youngest captains in the fleet, he sees himself as one of a select few who are keeping fishing heritage alive.

Scope and Content Note

Joe Hall is a long-time resident of Knott County, Kentucky, with deep roots in the community and a wealth of personal history tied to the region. His life story is interwoven with the landscape of Knott County, from the rural farmlands of his youth to the environmental transformations that have since taken place. Hall's experiences span the educational, ecological, and cultural shifts within the area, including the evolution of local schools and the construction of significant infrastructure.

James Bramante, a seasoned fisherman, is deeply rooted in the fishing tradition, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. Throughout his career, Bramante has witnessed significant transformations within the sector, including the encroachment of foreign fleets and the imposition of government regulations, which have shaped the contemporary landscape of fishing.

Carl Berg, 26 years old at the time of the interview, is a captain and deckhand on gillnet and crab boats in Sakonnet Point, RI and New Bedford, MA, as well as an oyster farmer and skiff owner-operator in the Sakonnet River. Carl did not grow up in a fishing family, but found his way to fishing as a summer job in high school, fishing full-time since finishing college.

Scope and Content Note

Brendan Damm, 28 years old at the time of the interview, is a deckhand on lobster and gillnet boats in Montauk, NY. Despite growing up as the son of a fisherman, he never enjoyed fishing until he came back home from college with a new attitude and decided to make it his full-time occupation.

Scope and Content Note

Jimmy Hall is a native of Knott County, Kentucky, with deep familial roots in the region. His ancestors, having emigrated from England, settled in Kentucky following the Revolutionary War, establishing a lineage that would endure the trials and transformations of the area. Hall's childhood unfolded in Shingle Branch, where he witnessed the construction of Carr Creek Lake—a development that would forever alter the landscape he knew.

Alfred Woodcock was a self-taught scientist and observer of nature who made significant contributions to the fields of oceanography and meteorology. He began his career as one of the first employees of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and sailed on the maiden voyage of the research vessel Atlantis in 1931. Woodcock worked as a laboratory and ship's technician, conducting various studies related to hydrography, plankton migration, and meteorology.

Karen Bell is a dedicated member of the Cortez fishing community in Florida. Born and raised in Bradenton, she has always had a deep connection to Cortez, spending Sundays at her grandmother's house, where large family gatherings and delicious meals were a regular occurrence. Karen's father and uncles were fishermen, and she grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of the fishing docks. Karen's father eventually transitioned from fishing to working at the AP Bell fish house in the early 1960s. In 1986, after completing college, Karen moved to Cortez and began working at the fish house.

Jack Kelly is a lifelong resident of Southold, Long Island, and has witnessed significant changes in the local environment and fishing industry over the years. Born in the late 1940s, he grew up near Gardiners' Island, where he recalls a fort on the North side and the erosion that caused the road to wash away.

Golden Glen Hale is a notable figure from the Carr Creek community in Kentucky, known for his rich understanding of the local history and his personal experiences growing up in the area. Born and raised in a close-knit community, Hale's childhood was filled with games and education at Neely Elementary. His life was not without hardship, as he recalls his family's reliance on welfare and commodity cheese, and his own experiences selling newspapers as a child.

Oral history interview with Francis Iwamoto.

Oral history interview with Edwin Ebisui II and III.

George Gibson is a long-time resident of Knott County, Kentucky, with a rich history and deep roots in the community. Born and raised on a farm, Gibson's early life was centered around his family's country grocery store, which served as a vibrant social hub for the local rural community. His recollections paint a vivid picture of the area's social life, filled with humorous anecdotes and stories that have shaped the area's history. Gibson's experiences extend beyond the family store, encompassing various communities and social spaces in the area.

George "Babe" Wallace and Freddie Smith are seasoned veterans of the oyster industry, having dedicated over half a century to shucking oysters. Their lives have been deeply intertwined with the local area, their work, and their families. Wallace and Smith's family backgrounds are rich with stories of work on oyster boats and the tradition of singing gospel songs while shucking oysters. Smith, in particular, has experienced the highs and lows of life, having been married multiple times and tragically losing his daughter in a car accident.

Oral history interview with Abraham Apilado.

Oral history interview with Dennis Kamikawa.

Oral history interview with Basil and Sally Oshiro.

Helen Combs Johnson was born on February 7, 1912, in Grundy, Virginia, where she was also raised. She was delivered by her uncle, who was a doctor, in her family home located downtown, where the Combs Building currently stands. Her early childhood was marked by a significant event when the town burned down on Christmas Eve in 1915. Johnson, along with her brother, was rolled up in a blanket and taken to safety by her parents, who managed to save most of their wedding presents before their home was consumed by the fire.

subject: Flood control--Virginia; Flood damage prevention—Virginia; Buchanan County (Va.)--History; Grundy (Va.)--Social life and customs; Levisa Fork Basin (Ky. and Va.); Big Sandy River Valley (Ky. and Va.); United States. Army. Corps of Engineers.

subject: Flood control--Virginia; Flood damage prevention—Virginia; Buchanan County (Va.)--History; Grundy (Va.)--Social life and customs; Levisa Fork Basin (Ky. and Va.); Big Sandy River Valley (Ky. and Va.); United States. Army. Corps of Engineers.

subject: Flood control--Virginia; Flood damage prevention—Virginia; Buchanan County (Va.)--History; Grundy (Va.)--Social life and customs; Levisa Fork Basin (Ky. and Va.); Big Sandy River Valley (Ky. and Va.); United States. Army. Corps of Engineers.

Oral history interview with Leonard Yamada. 

Oral history interview with Nash Kobayashi and Ralph Takafuji.

Interview with John Stegeman.

Interview with John Stegeman.

Lela Anderson is a Maine native who has spent her life in the close-knit community of Corea, located in Gouldsboro. Born in 1931, Lela grew up in a large family of eight siblings and witnessed the changing landscape of her hometown and the fishing industry that defined it. From an early age, she was involved in blueberry raking and assisting her father with pulpwood work. Her family's connection to the fishing industry extended to her mother's employment at a local sardine plant, which later influenced Lela's own career path.

Maria Edalena Ribas, also known as Edalena, was born and raised in Vila Praia da Ancora in Northern Portugal. She and her husband, Luiz, grew up as neighbors and eventually fell in love and married.  With Luiz away, working on factory ships in Germany, Edalena is the primary caretaker of their son Bruno who has health problems.  

Louis Doucette, Jr., was born in 1911 in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, to Louis Doucette, a respected fishing boat captain. Louis was the oldest living skipper in the New Bedford fishing fleet until his passing on November 16, 2006, at the age of 95. Raised in Edgartown, Louis Jr. was the son of Louis A. and Mary Jane Doucette (née Upton). He made his home in Fairhaven for the majority of his life. Louis Jr. was an active member of the St. Joseph's Church, where he regularly attended services. For many years, Louis Jr.

Kyra Higgins is a long-time resident of Redfox, Kentucky, with a deep familial and personal connection to the local landmark, Carr Creek Lake. Her life has been intertwined with the lake, from childhood memories of family gatherings to her participation in church summer programs. Higgins' experiences with the lake are not just recreational; they are also reflective as she contemplates the lake's origins and its broader implications for the community.

CarolAnn Hester, MegAnna Schlais, and Elizabeth Hester represent three generations of women fishing in Naknek, Alaska. CarolAnn and MegAnna are a mother/daughter team who commercially fish, and all three women participate in subsistence fishing.  In this interview, CarolAnn, MegAnna and Elizabeth talk about how they got started in fishing, the products they produce and their participation in the subsistence lifestyle, which includes gardening. They also talk about their strong work ethic, and what motivates them to fish.

Peter Fisher is the entrepreneurial owner of Catamount Fish Market, a business that has been operational for one year. His journey into the fish industry was sparked by his experiences while employed at a restaurant, where he observed the intricate process involved in ordering fish. This insight led him to establish his own market with a vision to facilitate fish distribution, particularly aiming to ship fish to western New York. Fisher's business acumen is evident in his strategic sourcing of fish, which he acquires from small gillnetters located in Hyannis, Harwich, and Sandwich.

David Freeman is recognized for his leadership role as the president of the Port Commission in Los Angeles, a position he assumed without prior knowledge of the port's operations. His tenure is marked by a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and community relations. Freeman's initiatives include spearheading a cleanup program aimed at reducing the port's ecological footprint and fostering a more harmonious relationship with the surrounding community.

Bill Biggs (1926-2001), John Dubois (1912-2001), Charlie Elmer (1912-2006), Arthur Hinson (1917-2012), Jack King (1928-2001), Joe Lore (1910-2000), and Mort Hughes (1920-2012) are retired oystermen whose recollections spanned from post World War I (1918) through the 1990s.  These men represent the fading legacy of traditional oystermen who navigated the waters during the era of sail-powered dredging. Their lives on the water are characterized by the intimate knowledge of oystering, a craft honed through seasons of planting and harvesting the bivalves.

Francesca Giacalone is a long-time resident of San Pedro, California, with a rich personal history tied to the town's development and the broader historical events of the 20th century. Born and raised in San Pedro, her life was shaped by the town's transformation during World War Two, a period that saw San Pedro become a bustling hub due to its strategic harbor and shipyard. Giacalone's early years were marked by significant local events, such as the 1933 earthquake and the Long Shore dispute, which had a profound impact on her community.

Myrtle Gordonier is the widow of Charlie Johnson, Jr., the son of the one-time owner (Charles Johnson, Sr.) of the oyster schooner Cashier. She has deep historical ties to the Cashier, a significant boat, and the local oyster industry. She was married to the son of the owner of the Cashier, which places her at the heart of the oyster harvesting operations central to the area's economy.

Richard Haven Backus was a renowned biological oceanographer who spent his entire career at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). He was born in Rochester, NY, in 1922 and grew up in West Webster, NY, where he developed a love for nature and the outdoors. He graduated from The Harley School and went on to study at Dartmouth College, where he became involved in the Outing Club and served as a B-24 navigator during World War II. Backus pursued further education at Cornell University, earning an M.S. in Vertebrate Zoology and a Ph.D. in Ichthyology.

Interview with John Stegeman.

Interview with John Stegeman.

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.

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.

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.

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.