Dave and Judy Dutra are a couple who have been involved in the fishing industry for many years. Dave, a lifelong fisherman, has spent his life on the water, working on various fishing boats. Judy, on the other hand, is a registered nurse who worked as a school nurse for over fifteen years. In the early years of their marriage, Judy fished with Dave on their boat, the Wildflower, and later on the Richard & Arnold. They had two sons who also became involved in fishing at a young age.

Reidar and Kirsten Bendiksen are a Norwegian couple residing in New Bedford, involved in the gear business, specifically net making and mending. Reidar was born in Norway in 1946 and moved to the United States when he was sixteen. His father was a fisherman who migrated to the US in 1951. Reidar himself held various positions in the fishing industry, including skipper, before transitioning into the gear business. Kirsten, born in New Bedford and raised in Dartmouth, comes from a family with a fishing background. Her father was a fisherman who met her mother on an ocean liner.

Reidar Bendiksen is a Norwegian immigrant who moved to the United States at the age of sixteen. Born into a fishing family, he began his fishing career in Norway at the age of fourteen. His father, who was also a fisherman, immigrated to the U.S. in 1951 and owned several fishing vessels in New Bedford. Reidar followed in his father's footsteps, spending his first five to six years in the U.S. fishing on a sub chaser that saw action in Normandy during the invasion.

Reidar Bendiksen is a Norwegian fisherman who has been in the fishing industry since 1963. After 25 years of fishing, he transitioned into the fishing gear business, where he continues to work up to the present. James M. Dwyer Jr., also known as Jim Dwyer, has been involved in the fishing industry for the last forty-seven years. For the past twenty-two years, he has served as the Secretary, Treasurer, and Business Agent for the Local 1749, ILA, also known as the Lumpers Union.

Anita Best, born in 1948, is a female singer hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland. Raised on Merasheen Island and later moving to St. John’s, she grew up in a family deeply connected to the fishing trade. Her father and brothers were fishermen, and she was immersed in the seasonal aspects of fishing and fish processing.

Ms. Blount, president of the Blount shipbuilding business, speaks about her involvement in the fishing industry and pressures on the business from waterfront development.

Willis Blount, a distinguished fisherman and shipbuilder, was born in Putnam, Connecticut, in 1945. He inherited his maritime passion from a family deeply entrenched in shipbuilding and fishing traditions. Blount's early exposure to the maritime world led him to develop a connection to both shipbuilding and fishing. His journey encompassed innovative contributions to the industry and a lifelong dedication to the sea.

Laurie Botelho, a native of Puerto Rico, is a dedicated and passionate entrepreneur in the fishing industry. With a background in food-borne illness and a deep understanding of the fishing community, Laurie embarked on a journey to provide a vital product for fishermen. Her company specializes in manufacturing high-quality scallop bags, which play a crucial role in preserving the catch and ensuring fishermen adhere to regulations. Starting her business in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Laurie recognized the importance of creating a consistent and reliable product.

Woody Bowers is a former fisherman and captain who fished for 17 years and then went on occasional fishing trips. Woody Bowers used to fish for codfish, haddock, flounders, and yellow tails, among other species, and the boat he worked on could carry up to two hundred thousand pounds of fish. The boat mostly fished on Georges Bank, where Bowers looked for the species of fish he wanted based on his past experience.

Johanna Reichhold is a deckhand, fisher poet, writer, and musician. She hails from Cordova, Alaska. Reichhold, like Bowstern, uses her experiences in the fishing industry to inspire her art. She is of European-American descent. Moe Bowstern was born in 1967 and is a multifaceted artist who works as a deckhand, fisher poet, writer, and musician. She is based in Kodiak, Alaska, but resides in Portland, Oregon. Bowstern has been a part of the Fisher Poets community since 1997 and has participated in the event every year except the second year.

Robert Britto, a male boat owner and former fisherman, had a deep connection to the fishing industry, having spent 21 years at sea in various roles, including deckhand, cook, engineer, mate, captain, and owner. He initially got involved in fishing through his father-in-law, who was a fisherman. Britto started his scalloping career on his father-in-law's boat and went on to work on larger vessels before becoming the captain of the fishing vessel Rianda. Later, he purchased the Poseidon with John Isaacson and eventually built and owned the fishing vessel Hustler.

Sarah Broadwell is a female fisherwoman from Montauk, Long Island. She is of European American ethnicity. Broadwell was born in Denville, New Jersey, and spent her childhood visiting her grandparents in Sag Harbor, Long Island. She has been working in Montauk for five to six years and has built a close-knit community with fellow fishermen, who she considers as her family. Despite being small in stature, Broadwell is known for her hard work and dedication to her profession. She has a strong sense of respect and boundaries, and is not afraid to assert herself when necessary.

Jon Broderick is a seasoned fisherman and a retired school teacher, born in San Francisco, California. Despite coming from a family with no ties to the fishing industry, Broderick found his calling in the waters of Alaska. He has been setting nets for salmon in Bristol Bay, Alaska with his family for over 25 years. His sons, despite their diverse career paths, have embraced the tradition and often join him in the fishing season. Broderick is also known for his participation in the Astoria Fisherpoets Gathering.

Carol Brown, a 70-year-old Irish woman, is a fisherman's wife from Gloucester. She is the daughter-in-law of Frank Brown Sr., a Portuguese fisherman who immigrated to the United States from Pico Island in the Azores. Carol married into a fishing family, and her husband, also of Portuguese descent, followed in his father's footsteps. She is known for her insights into the fishing industry and her connection to the legacy of Frank Brown Sr.

Interview with Tia Retherford

Interview with Mary Schreiber

Interview with Tiffani Seitz

Interview with Sara Skamsar.

Interview with Jennifer Stevenson.

Interview with spotter pilot Wayne Davis of Wakefield, RI in which he recounts experiences in the harpoon swordfish fishery as well as his career as a spotter pilot. Interview contains information on fish migration patterns, seasonal events, the process of spotting fish, interactions with other marine creatures and the community of Wakefield, RI.

Interview with spotter pilot Jonathan Mayhew of Chilmark, MA. Interview contains information on fish spotting, flying, regulations, swordfish and bluefin tuna.

Karen Willis Amspacher is a dedicated advocate for the working waterfront community of Harker’s Island, North Carolina, where she was born and raised. She is the founder of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center, an institution that celebrates and preserves the local traditions of boat building and decoy carving. Amspacher's family has a long history in boat building, and she has worked tirelessly to support and develop new markets for local seafood. She is also actively involved in addressing the challenges of gentrification and regulations that impact her community.

Arne Ole Andersen is a retired boat owner. He was born in 1929 in Denmark and grew up in a fishing and farming village. He began his maritime career at fourteen, working on Baltic traders and later on larger ships, including Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish vessels. He sailed on American ships during the Korean War and settled in New Bedford, where he fished primarily out of the port. Throughout his career, Andersen faced various challenges, including shipwrecks and adverse weather conditions. He engaged in different types of fishing, including ground fishing and swordfishing. 

Phil Ashworth is a 49-year-old former fisherman of European American descent, residing in Dartmouth, Massachusetts]. He was born and raised primarily in New Bedford and its surrounding areas. Ashworth comes from a family with a rich history in the city of New Bedford. His grandfather served as the chief of police in the 1950s and 60s, and his father was a fisherman and a state trooper. Ashworth himself has a deep connection with the sea, having spent a significant part of his life as a fisherman.

Phil Ashworth is a seasoned fisherman with a career spanning over seventeen years. He began his career in the late '70s after completing school through CETA. His first job was on a scalloping boat, the Ellen Louise, under the captaincy of Jimmy Tinker from Maine. Despite having no prior experience in scalloping, Ashworth's hard work and determination earned him the respect of his crewmates and a full share on the boat. Over the years, Ashworth worked on various boats, including Portuguese draggers, and held master's papers for several vessels.

Crista Bank, a fisheries research technician, has a diverse background in marine biology. She graduated from UMass Dartmouth in 1994 and gained experience studying coral reef ecosystems in Australia. She later worked as a marine biology instructor in the Florida Keys and participated in a distance learning project on a sailing ship. Crista's career then took her to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where she joined the sail training ship Ernestina and became involved in the fisheries observer program.

Galon "Skip" Barlow is a retired shellfisherman and seafood restaurant owner from Buzzards Bay Village, Bourne, Massachusetts. Born into a family with a long history dating back to the 1600s in Cape Cod, Skip's lineage includes sea captains and notorious figures. His father, a navy veteran and canal pilot, instilled in him a love for the coastal habitat and shellfishing from a young age. Skip began his career in shellfishing in his early teens, learning the trade from his father. However, after realizing the difficulty of the profession, he returned to school.

Edward Barrett is a seasoned commercial fisherman with over three decades of experience in the fishing industry. Born in Boston in 1955, Barrett grew up in the coastal town of Marshfield, Massachusetts, where he was exposed to the ocean and fishing from an early age. His first role models in the industry were his older cousin and his friends, who were involved in mossing. Barrett's career in fishing began after he completed college. He initially worked as a sternman and crewman on boats before attending a fishing school at the University of Rhode Island.

Leticia Pearsall, 40, is a registered nurse, married to commercial fisherman Niles Pearsall, who fishes out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. Mrs. Pearsall has no family history of fishing; her husband has owned his boat for about 11 years. He predominantly does dragging offshore. Her husband has been a member of sector 5 since sector management began. Mrs. Pearsall has a negative view sector management regulation; she finds it often overwhelming and confusing. She has seen a decrease in household income since sector regulations were implemented. Their quality of life was worse before Mrs.

Niles Pearsall, 44, is a commercial fisherman out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. He began fishing after high school and now fishes for groundfish or squid up to 100 miles south of New England. He is a member of Sector 5. He believes that sectors are a good idea, but that everyone needs more quota. Sector management has led to rifts in the fishing community, largely as a result of the disparity in quota allocation. Mr. Pearsall believes that his quality of life is the same, due in part to his wife's income which has made up for his loss in income.

Eric Reid, 54, is a seafood wholesaler and former commercial fisherman in Point Judith, Rhode Island. He began fishing when he was a boy, with his uncles who were, in his words, "artisanal fishermen"; he began working on deck on a party boat at age 12 and got his captain's license at age 19. Since that time he has worked on a multitude of different boats in many different fisheries.

Phil Ruhle, 37, is a commercial fisherman out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. His grandfather began fishing in the 1950s; his father and uncles also fished and his children now fish with him on occasion. He fishes for a broad variety of fish using a dragger, catching predominantly groundfish inshore in recent years. He is a member of the Sustainable Harvest Sector and is on the Board of Directors; his father, along with other fishermen, began developing the Sustainable Harvest Sector even prior to 2010 when sectors were put in place throughout New England. Mr.

Angela Sanfilippo, 62, lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts and serves as the President of Gloucester's Fishermen's Wives. Her husband was a commercial fisherman who lost his boat due to a fire and now works for on a charter boat because they knew it'd be too risky to re-invest in fishing; she does have a brother and other family members that are involved in sectors. Mrs. Sanfilippo works very hard to assist with commercial fisheries, whether through helping fishermen gain health insurance or by working in the permit bank.

Dan Shannon, 48, is a commercial fisherman out of Scituate, Massachusetts. He began fishing around age 15 and has had his own boat for 20 years. He currently fishes predominantly lobster on Stellwagen Bank and in Massachusetts Bay, but also catches codfish and haddock. He joined sector 10 because the common pool was not a viable option. Mr. Shannon believes that sector management is not the appropriate strategy and was implemented unfairly.

Christine Sherman, 60, lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts and is married to a commercial fisherman that is a member of Sector 2. Mrs. Sherman also works for the Northeast Seafood Coalition, an industry advocacy group based in Gloucester and is primarily in charge of fundraising for the group. Mrs. Sherman has felt a huge impact from sectors and feels there is only a few years left for a viable, small boat commercial fishery in Gloucester. She has seen the impacts in her own family and life, having experienced physical and mental issues related to financial stress in an uncertain industry.

Russell Sherman, 64, lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts and has been fishing for over 40 years and came to Cape Ann during his summer breaks from Harvard University where he was studying History. He got his first boat in 1980 and maintains that active participation in fisheries management is very important. He has attended meetings at the state and federal Council level for years until recently when his stress and frustration with the management process overpowered his decision to attend meetings.

Christine Sykes, 60, is the wife of commercial fisherman Rodman Sykes who fishes out of Point Judith, RI. Though she is not from a fishing family, her husband is and has been fishing since he was 17, working with his grandfather. He currently targets finfish, especially yellowtail and codfish, and sometimes squid. He is a sector member. Mrs. Sykes believes that increased regulations, including those related to sectors, lead to more stress, often with respect to heavy observer coverage on the vessel.

Rodman Sykes, 59, is a commercial fisherman out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. His family was in the fishing industry and he grew up on the docks fishing with his grandfather, father and uncles; he bought his own boat in 1984. He currently fishes predominantly for fluke (summer flounder) and skates. He is a member of Sector 5 and has participated in various cooperative research projects, including underwater cable monitoring off Vero Beach, Florida. Mr. Sykes believes that sectors could have been a great management tool but for the way National Marine Fisheries Services allocated quota.

Richard "Rob" Walz, 50, a commercial fisherman out of Tiverton, RI, began fishing as a boy. Mr. Walz fishes offshore, targeting different species seasonally. He has been a member of the common pool since sector management began, because his sector allocation was too small. Mr. Walz finds that sector management often causes fishermen to target one species, whereas fishermen used to diversify and catch numerous different species in an effort to conserve less abundant fish.

Steven Welch, 51, is a fisherman out of Scituate and Plymouth, Massachusetts. He worked on boats as a kid and began commercial fishing full time when he graduated from high school in 1979. Since that time he has participated in most fisheries except herring; he now fishes offshore. Mr. Welch has been a member of sector 10 since sector management was initiated and participates as the treasurer. He does not like sectors or catch shares as he catches 62% fewer pounds under his allocation of quota than he did under the previous management by days-at-sea (DAS). Since sectors have begun, Mr.

Steven Wilkes, 65, is a retired commercial fisherman out of Newport, Rhode Island. Mr. Wilkes fished with his grandfather as a boy and began fishing commercially at age 18, buying his first boat at age 29 after working as a teacher and deckhand for a few years. Though he in no longer an active fisherman, he still lives on his boat and maintains a permit in the common pool. Mr. Wilkes did mostly day trips as a fisherman, but worked patrolling telecommunications cables prior to retiring from fisheries. He does not have a positive impression of sectors or government involvement in business.

This interview with David Cupka, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council member, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Mr. Cupka explores his career with the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department where he served as Director of the Office of Fisheries Management.

This interview with Professor Gary Graham, Texas A&M Sea Grant Extension and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management AP member, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Mr.

This interview with Ben Hartig, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council member, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Mr. Hartig explores his career as a commercial fisherman which started in the early 1970s, as well as his long tenure as a South Atlantic Council member.

This interview with Bob Mahood, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Director, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Mr. Mahood explores his long career as a director of the Council and as well as his long career in fisheries management.

This interview with William "Corky" Perret, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council member, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Mr.

This interview with Charlie Phillips, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council member, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Mr.

This interview with Susan Shipman, former South Atlantic Fishery Management Council member, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Ms. Shipman explores her career as a Council member and her long career in fisheries management as one of the first females to serve in that capacity.

This interview with Dr. Robert Shipp, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council member, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Dr. Shipp explores his career at the University of South Alabama and the Dauphin Island Marine Lab as well as his long tenure as a Gulf Council member.

This interview with Gregg Waugh, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Deputy Director, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Mr. Waugh explores his long career in fisheries management. Gregg has been with the Council since 1980 and is currently Deputy Director.

Jeanne Palombo was the wife of Raymond Palombo who was also interviewed for this oral history of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I. Because of Newport's close proximity to the offshore lobster grounds, fishermen and lobstermen relocated to Newport during the early 1970's to become part of that lucrative and growing industry. The Palombos were part of that group. Mrs. Palombo worked closely with her husband and took over their business after his unexpected death in 1987.

Raymond Palombo was one of the first lobstermen to realize lobster pots could be utilized successfully offshore on the continental shelf lobster grounds. Because of Newport's close proximity to those grounds, its offshore lobster industry grew quickly during the 1970's. Mr. Palombo was part of that lucrative growing industry. Raymond Palombo was involved in the fishing industry during all of his working life. He had extensive experience working in inshore and offshore fisheries outside of Boston.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Philip Ruhle began his work in the fishing industry during the 1940's. At that time, he was primarily involved in seasonal inshore fisheries in the waters off New York City and Long Island. His manuscript is a rich source of information on the abundance of inshore species in that area which made the way of life of inshore fishermen possible at that time. During the 1950's, Mr. Ruhle gillnetted mackeral from Long Island to Virginia. He went on to work in several other fisheries, including dragging and Scottish seining. Mr.

Manuel Silvia served as president and spokesman for Fishermen in Newport (F.I.N.) and played an important role in the establishment of the State Fish Pier in Newport by the state of Rhode Island in 1985. Mr. Silvia's manuscript contains valuable information concerning changes in Newport harbor, and the impact of tourism, yachting and development on the fishing industry. In addition to his work as president of F.I.N., Mr. Silvia worked extensively on offshore draggers and lobster boats during the 1960's and 1970's. He now works as an inshore lobsterman in Newport.

Kevin Tuttle has worked extensively on offshore draggers since his graduation from the University of Rhode Island's Fisheries School. His manuscript is filled with information about the work of fishing, life at sea, boats and equipment, safety, offshore fishing grounds, species sought by draggers, marketing, and fishing as a dangerous occupation. Mr. Tuttle has thoughtful insights concerning depletion and conservation and speaks at length about the relationship between fishermen, biologists, and government officials and how they affect the fishing industry.

James Violet worked as an inshore lobsterman in Newport for much of his working like. Of Greek lineage, he learned his trade from Greek lobstermen who came to Newport from Skiathos, Greece. Mr. Violet reminisces about those Greeks who were an important and colorful part of Newport's waterfront. In addition, Mr. Violet describes the Newport fishing industry during the 1930's, the 1938 Hurricane, overfishing, the 200 mile limit, and the impact of tourism and development on the fishing industry in Newport. On page 6 his transcript (page 12 of the pdf), he references making a list of names.

Willard Colson and his son Peter both worked for the Stinson Sardine cannery in Prospect Harbor, Maine.

Willard Colson and his son Peter both worked for the Stinson Sardine cannery in Prospect Harbor, Maine.

Clell Genthner captained sardine carriers, fishing off the coast of Maine in the 1950's through the 1990's. He supplied fish to the sardine canneries that dotted the coast of Maine.

Myrtress Harrington was eighteen when she started canning sardines at Stinson Seafood in Prospect Harbor, Maine.

This interview with Mr. Roy Williams, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council member, was conducted as part of the SERO Fishery Managers Oral History project. This project is a collection of oral histories by individuals who participate in fishery management within the Southeast Region of the U.S. and consists of individuals who serve on the regional councils and their scientific and advisory panels or staff. This interview with Mr.

The Rev. Herb Bennerfield presides over the annual Blessing of the Fleet in Delcambre. He describes what the shrimp festival and fishery mean to one small town.

Cecile Robin married into a family of fishermen. She explores some of the wives tales associated with fishing in south Louisiana.

Dr. John Boreman started at the NEFSC in 1980, after spending his early career dealing with power plant impacts on fish and wildlife. He was instrumental in establishing the Center's Cooperative Marine Education and Research Program, and was its first coordinator at the University of Massachusetts. He served as deputy center director under Dr. Michael Sissenwine, starting in 1997, and one of his first assignments was to institute the reorganization of NEFSC.

In 2004, Steve Murawski left his job as long-time chief the fish population dynamics group at the NEFSC to take on the leadership role at NMFS Office of Science and Technology. Within a very short time, he moved again, to his current position as the Agency's Director of Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor for NOAA Fisheries, a position formerly held by NEFSC alum Michael Sissenwine. Indeed, Murawski is the third in a line of top fishery scientists from the NEFSC who have been tapped in recent years to serve leadership roles at the Agency's headquarters.

After 39 years and more than 3,500 sea days, the NEFSC's John Sibunka from the Howard Laboratory was preparing to embark on his final survey cruise. This interview was conducted prior to that cruise.

After nearly 30 years with NMFS, stints as an NEFSC division chief and Center Director, as well as senior science leadership positions in the Agency's headquarters, Dr. Michael P. Sissenwine retired in 2005. This interview took place one month before his official retirement. He discusses his career.

Hedy Bennett is the wife of offshore lobsterman, Paul Bennett, who was also interviewed as part of this oral history of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I. Mrs. Bennett is the land-based partner in the work and way of life she and her husband share. She conveys what it means to be the wife of a commercial lobsterman and describes what makes the family life of a young fishing family both special and demanding. Mrs. Bennett delves into the many changes that have taken place in the offshore lobster industry since she's been involved in it.

Paul Bennett is the husband of Hedy Bennett, who was also interviewed as part of this oral history of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I. Mr. Bennett has worked in the offshore lobster industry in Newport since the early 1970's and owns his own boat, Hedy-Brenna. He provides a detailed account of his work in the offshore lobster industry, comparing the industry of the 1970's with that of the 1980's. Mr.

 In 1945, Anthony Bucolo's father, a fish peddler, became part owner of Talman and Mack Fish and Trap Company in Newport, R.I. Anthony Bucolo's association with Newport's fishing industry began at that time. In 1956, Mr. Bucolo started his own business, Anthony's Seafood; in 1986, his business was sold. His operation played an extremely important role in Newport's fishing industry. Mr. Bucolo's business progressed from the handling of lobsters, to lobsters, fish, retail and wholesale, to the addition of a seafood restaurant. Mr.

In 1945, Anthony Bucolo's father, a fish peddler, became part owner of Talman and Mack Fish and Trap Company in Newport, R.I. Anthony Bucolo's association with Newport's fishing industry began at that time. In 1956, Mr. Bucolo started his own business, Anthony's Seafood; in 1986, his business was sold. His operation played an extremely important role in Newport's fishing industry. Mr. Bucolo's business progressed from the handling of lobsters, to lobsters, fish, retail and wholesale, to the addition of a seafood restaurant. Mr.

"My grandfather was a fisherman. His father was a whaler." Stephen Fougere learned to become a fisherman from his father, a day dragger in Newport, R.I. Mr. Fougere left school at age sixteen to go fishing and became a captain of a fishing boat by age eighteen. He provides detailed information about the fishing industry in Newport R.I. from the 1930's to the present -- the various fisheries which have comprised the industry, the people involved in it, boats and equipment used, grounds fished, and changes that have taken place which continue to affect the industry in important ways. Mr.

"My grandfather was a fisherman. His father was a whaler." Stephen Fougere learned to become a fisherman from his father, a day dragger in Newport, R.I. Mr. Fougere left school at age sixteen to go fishing and became a captain of a fishing boat by age eighteen. He provides detailed information about the fishing industry in Newport R.I. from the 1930's to the present -- the various fisheries which have comprised the industry, the people involved in it, boats and equipment used, grounds fished, and changes that have taken place which continue to affect the industry in important ways. Mr.

Manly Gray was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1922. "Too big to go to school" in the eighth grade, he obtained work sorting fish in a Gloucester fish house. Mr. Gray worked in the fishing industry from that time until his death in the summer of 1987. He recollects the way of life of a Gloucester fishing family during the Depression and describes the various fisheries which comprised the Gloucester fishing industry at that time. He includes fascinating stories about dory fishermen who worked the Grand Banks and the depletion of certain Grand Banks fish species.

While she was in her early twenties, Ellen Kaplan worked in the fishing industry for approximately two years. This included work on offshore lobster boats, an offshore scallop boat, and an offshore dragger. Her manuscript contains valuable information about life and work at sea, the life style of working in the fishing industry, changes in the offshore lobster industry, and conflict between tourism, development and the fishing industry in Newport, Rhode Island.

Christopher Lutyens began his work in the lobster industry in Southwest Harbor, Maine at age sixteen. He came to Newport one year later after reading an article about Newport's offshore lobster industry in the magazine, National Fisherman. Mr. Lutyens has worked in both the inshore and offshore lobster industries in Newport. He offers valuable information about the work of lobstering, lobster boats and equipment, lobster grounds, catch size, and the condition of the lobster stocks. He expresses concerns about the future of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I.

John McDonald and his brother, James, have worked together as fishermen on their day dragger, a Natator, since 1948. Prior to that time, Mr. McDonald spent his childhood on the water catching eels and scalloping. During the 1940's he had extensive experience swordfish harpooning off Martha's Vineyard, Point Judith, and Block Island. Swordfish were abundant in those waters then. Now they are seldom spotted. Mr.

Mr. Mendonsa's transcript contains 4 interviews from 1/30/1987, 1/4/1987, 2/10/1987, and 2/11/1987. George Mendonsa was born in Newport, R.I. in 1923. His father came to Newport from Madeira, Portugal in 1910 and supported his family by working as a trap fisherman. He passed on his knowledge and pride in his work to his son, George, who has worked in the floating fish trap industry in Rhode Island waters for his entire life. George Mendonsa's manuscript is an important document of the floating fish trap industry in Newport, R.I. from the 1940's to the present.

Mr. Mendonsa's transcript contains 4 interviews from 1/30/1987, 1/4/1987, 2/10/1987, and 2/11/1987. George Mendonsa was born in Newport, R.I. in 1923. His father came to Newport from Madeira, Portugal in 1910 and supported his family by working as a trap fisherman. He passed on his knowledge and pride in his work to his son, George, who has worked in the floating fish trap industry in Rhode Island waters for his entire life. George Mendonsa's manuscript is an important document of the floating fish trap industry in Newport, R.I. from the 1940's to the present.

Mr. Mendonsa's transcript contains 4 interviews from 1/30/1987, 1/4/1987, 2/10/1987, and 2/11/1987. George Mendonsa was born in Newport, R.I. in 1923. His father came to Newport from Madeira, Portugal in 1910 and supported his family by working as a trap fisherman. He passed on his knowledge and pride in his work to his son, George, who has worked in the floating fish trap industry in Rhode Island waters for his entire life. George Mendonsa's manuscript is an important document of the floating fish trap industry in Newport, R.I. from the 1940's to the present.

Mr. Mendonsa's transcript contains 4 interviews from 1/30/1987, 1/4/1987, 2/10/1987, and 2/11/1987. George Mendonsa was born in Newport, R.I. in 1923. His father came to Newport from Madeira, Portugal in 1910 and supported his family by working as a trap fisherman. He passed on his knowledge and pride in his work to his son, George, who has worked in the floating fish trap industry in Rhode Island waters for his entire life. George Mendonsa's manuscript is an important document of the floating fish trap industry in Newport, R.I. from the 1940's to the present.

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 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.

Interview with Ambrose Besson in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Interview with Frank Besson of Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Interview with Leoda Besson Bladsacker in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Interview with Arthur Blanchard in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Interview with Louis Blum in Houma, Louisiana.

 

Interview with Sandra Boquet in Cameron, Louisiana.

Marshall Borel discusses his early life and his father who was a fisherman in the 1930's.  He described crabbing in the Atchafalaya Basin with a roller line.  He talks about the different kinds of fish he caught as well as frogs.  He talks about the net he made specifically to catch frogs.  He boasts working forty hours a week and never missing it.

The Karinas talk about their family's contribution to the seafood industry.  They talk about processing shrimp on the boats before shipping them to market.  They tell stories of their family members driving the shrimp to the markets and sometimes dodging the cops with their shipment.  They talk about shrimping seasons.  They talk about the shrimp market before and after WWII.  They talk about the Portuguese and their roles in the shrimp industry.  They talk about the progression of the oil industry.  They talk about hurricanes and their effect on the shrim

The Karinas talk about their family's contribution to the seafood industry.  They talk about processing shrimp on the boats before shipping them to market.  They tell stories of their family members driving the shrimp to the markets and sometimes dodging the cops with their shipment.  They talk about shrimping seasons.  They talk about the shrimp market before and after WWII.  They talk about the Portuguese and their roles in the shrimp industry.  They talk about the progression of the oil industry.  They talk about hurricanes and their effect on the shrim

Interview with Jeane Landry in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Lee tells the tale of his escape from Vietnam with his family after the war ended. He discusses being the first Vietnamese to transition to Abbeville, Louisiana for the warm climate and the strong Catholic influence. Although trained as a pilot and engineer, Lee began his life in the U.S. as a car washer, worked his way up to mechanic, and then became a top engineer for an oil company.

Interview with Dewey Lehret.

Freddie Matherne takes us on a trip around the bayous and coast of Louisiana in this interview about the changing coastline. He describes navigating the bayous and canals for shrimping, logging, fishing, and crabbing. With 50 years of experience shrimping, he details his process of catching and preserving the best shrimp through knowledge of the waters, cleanliness, boats, and attention to improvements in technology, like cell phones and GPS. Matherne also discusses his interactions with oil companies while shrimping and his work for shrimp drying platforms with his father at a young age.

Interview with David Richard and Kent Ledoux in Grand Chenier, Louisiana.

Interview with David Richard and Kent Ledoux in Grand Chenier, Louisiana.

Edward Robin talks about his experience in the oyster industry in St. Bernard Parish.  He talks about the oyster drudge mechanism as well as the advancements in the oyster industry since he started out in 1947.  Robin discusses the new rules and regulations oyster fishermen must abide by.  He also discusses the oyster canning business and the various oyster canning facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi.  He talks about the detrimental effect that hurricanes have on oysters.  He also talks about crabbing, specifically the different stages of crabs.

Interview with Wilburn Bradberry in Grand Isle, Louisiana Interviewer.