Oral history interview with Devin Kocsis.

Glenn Evans and Mark Nease are two divers/boat captains with extensive experience and knowledge about the marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Glenn Evans, a seasoned marine biologist, has spent a significant portion of his career studying the changes in the marine ecosystem, with a particular focus on water conditions such as clarity, algae blooms, and visibility. His work has contributed significantly to the understanding of the impact of environmental changes on marine life.

Karl Lessard is a seasoned marine biologist whose career has been deeply intertwined with the ecological evolution of Florida Bay since the 1980s. With a career spanning over four decades, Lessard has dedicated his life to studying the intricate ecosystems of coastal waters, specializing in the dynamics of seagrass and algal populations. His extensive fieldwork and research have made him a respected figure in the scientific community, particularly in the context of marine conservation and environmental change.

Ken Nedimeyer, a seasoned marine conservationist, has dedicated a significant portion of his career to studying and preserving marine ecosystems. His work, often in collaboration with prominent organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, has been pivotal in documenting and responding to changes within marine environments. Nedimeyer's expertise extends to a deep understanding of marine species, particularly the dynamics of lobster populations, which he has observed to be in decline due to habitat shrinkage and other environmental stressors.

Jonathan Roth is an esteemed environmental scientist with a focus on marine biology and a particular interest in the ecosystems of coastal regions. His career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by his dedication to studying and preserving the delicate balance of marine life in Florida Bay. Roth's expertise in the field is grounded in his extensive academic background, which includes a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from a prestigious university.

Herb Marvin is a native of Homestead, Florida, with deep familial ties to the region's commercial fishing industry. His personal history is interwoven with the environmental and industrial changes in Florida Bay. Marvin's upbringing in Homestead provided him with a unique perspective on the natural landscape and the community's reliance on its resources. His family's involvement in commercial fishing allowed him firsthand insight into the practices and challenges of the industry.

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.

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.

Interview with Connie Mason, Historian, North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, North Carolina

Interview with Donny Millis, a fisherman

Joyce Newman is a resident of the Florida Keys with a rich personal history intertwined with the environmental and cultural fabric of the region. She was an environmentalist and recreational fisher at the time of the interview. She is a former public school teacher and a knowledgeable figure regarding the local ecology and the socio-economic dynamics of the area. Newman's tenure in the Florida Keys has allowed her to witness firsthand the evolution of the environment, giving her insights into the subtle and overt changes that have occurred over time.

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.

Interview with Albert Potts, Director of Onslow County Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview with Hubert Smith, businessman and community activist

David Hafley is a long-time resident of Grundy, Virginia, who has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of flooding in the region. His experiences provide a vivid account of the destruction caused by floods in the years 1957 and 1977. Hafley's resilience and determination are evident in his recounting of the cleanup efforts following these disasters, where he and other community members worked tirelessly to restore their homes and businesses.

Grady Sullivan of Big Pine Key, Florida is a seasoned marine life collector and fisherman who has been a full-time resident of the Florida Keys for over two decades. His primary occupation involves collecting marine specimens for various purposes, including wholesale, retail, and for renowned marine life institutions such as SeaWorld and Miami Seaquarium. In addition to this, Sullivan also collects plants, mollusks, and live rocks for aquariums, showcasing a broad understanding and appreciation of marine life.

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

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

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

James Yamamoto, born in 1936, hails from Terminal Island, California. His early life was shaped by the local Japanese fishing community and his father's grocery store. The onset of World War II marked a period of upheaval for Yamamoto and his family, as they were subjected to internment along with many other Japanese Americans. This experience had a profound impact on his family's ship chandlery business. Post-war, Yamamoto witnessed and adapted to the evolution of communication within the shipping industry.

Nancy Call is a descendant of Phineas Banning, a prominent figure in the history of Los Angeles' harbor development. Her lineage traces back to Banning, who was instrumental in the founding of Wilmington and played a significant role in the growth of transportation in the region. Call's familial connection extends through the generations, with Banning's sons continuing the transportation legacy and expanding into areas such as the acquisition of Catalina Island.

Art Almeida was born on December 27, 1928, in San Pedro. His mother came to the United States from Ciudad Guerrero in northern Mexico when she was about six years old. His father, born in Santa María de Los Angeles in Jalisco, came to the US in 1909 and married Art's mother around 1917 in Morenci, Arizona. Art's father was a hacendado from the landed gentry, and his mother's family crossed the border into Morenci, Arizona. Art's father was a kindly man, about six feet tall, fair-skinned, and articulate.

Wilson Acosta has been fishing since he was a boy.  Now in his 60's, he is considering selling his boat and retiring.

Freddy Manny has built a career that spans two distinct yet interrelated professions: sign painting and shrimping. His journey through the shrimping industry has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge about fishing techniques and the evolution of regulations within the field. Freddy has witnessed firsthand the effects of external factors such as Navy testing on the fishing environment and the resultant variations in shrimp sizes.

Narrator Jack Hill, of Key Largo, Florida, was the owner of a fish house and a former commercial fisherman at the time of the interview. Hill's formative years were spent mastering the craft of fishing, a skill passed down through generations. As he matured, he expanded his expertise beyond the immediate scope of fishing to encompass a broader understanding of market dynamics and trade.

Michael Albano was born in Long Beach, California, on November 24, 1947, in Saint Mary’s Hospital. Mike’s grandfather and father were fishermen.  His father immigrated to the United States from Ischia, Italy, between the years 1939 and 1941. His father decided to come to America because of fishing opportunities near Catalina Island.

Oral history interview with John Olguin. 

Oral history interview with Torrance Parker. 

Oral history interview with Gloria Radmilovich.

Oral history interview with Candelario Gonzales.

Interview with B.J. Copeland, NC Sea Grant Director, 1973-1996 and Professor of Zoology at NC State University

Interview with John Norris, veteran shrimper and minister

Interview with John Edens, a lifelong fisherman

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

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

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

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

Interview with Paul Huie, Jr., fisherman and clammer

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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. 

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.

Arthur James McFadden was born in 1881, the son of an Orange County pioneer family.  He was a graduate of Santa Ana High School, Pomona College, and Harvard Law School.  Mr. McFadden was in private practice for two years, then heeded his physician’s advice and changed to ranching.  He became a skilled producer of citrus, persimmons, avocados and walnuts.  Mr. McFadden was considered instrumental in the orderly growth of marketing agricultural products throughout the state.

The main topic is the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries in Woods Hole. The first speaker is Peggy Clark Kelley. She speaks of her grandfather Edward Linton who came to Woods Hole with Director Spencer Baird in 1882 when Linton was a student at Yale. She discusses why Woods Hole was chosen for the site of the Fisheries lab, the interaction with local businessmen. Peggy's memories of her childhood include trips on collecting boats (specimens for MBL). Dr. Graham became Director in 1951.

Captain Russell Grinnell was born in 1907 in Woods Hole. His father, Charles R. Grinnell, was born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, then moved with Russell's grandfather to Naushon Island off Woods Hole. Charles Grinnell was a fisherman and he and son Russell fished together, gathering quahogs and lobsters, dragging for flounder, depending on the season. This was first done from a 26 foot catboat and later a 42 foot boat. Russell Grinnell joined the crew of the squid collecting boats (all named CAPTAIN BILL) owned by Henry Klimm and contracted to the Marine Biological Laboratory.

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

Part 1: Born in 1893, Mrs.

Born in 1896, Mr.

Mr. Nickerson was born in Eastham in 1896.  His father was a selectman of Eastham and he has 10-11 generations of Cape relatives.  His grandmother was a Mayflower descendent.  He recalls working in cranberry bogs as a teenager and describes the use of cedar swamps to create and develop cranberries.  He describes the development and care of a cranberry bog.  He remembers riding on school barges (horse drawn wagons) to get to elementary school.  There would be straw on the wagon floor to keep your feet warm in the winter.  Mr.

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

Tales of Cape Cod interview with Joshua Atkins Nickerson of East Harwich, October 19, 1977.

Notes: The Tales of Cape Cod Oral History Collection is housed at the William Brewster Nickerson Archives in the Wilkens Library at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts. For more information about the collection, please contact the Nickerson Archives, http://www.nickersonarchives.org/.

Tales of Cape Cod interview with Joshua Atkins Nickerson of East Harwich, October 25, 1977.

Notes: The Tales of Cape Cod Oral History Collection is housed at the William Brewster Nickerson Archives in the Wilkens Library at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts. For more information about the collection, please contact the Nickerson Archives, http://www.nickersonarchives.org/.

Born in 1894 at 382 Main Street, Yarmouth Port, Mrs.

Born in 1898, Mrs.

Born in 1914, Mrs. Crane talks about her ancestors coming to Situate and moving down to Barnstable in 1639.

Part 1: Born in 1907, Mrs. Kelley talks about her ancestors first on her father’s side and then on her mother’s side.

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.

Dr. Crosby was born in Brookline in 1895.  He reads from the introduction to his unpublished memoirs for approximately 10 minutes.  This section deals primarily with the train trip from Boston to Buzzards Bay and then on to the Chatham depot, the ride from the depot to their summer home in East Harwich, and his earliest memories as a child during the summer with his family and relatives.  Dr.

Mrs. Snow was born in Orleans in 1896.  She is a Mayflower descendant from Nicholas Snow who came on the ship Ann to Plymouth in 1623 and who married ConstanceHopkins who came on the Mayflower as a child.

Mr. Grozier was born in North Truro in 1904.  His paternal grandfather John Paine Grozier was born in Truro. His grandfather’s occupation was a teamer, one who collected cargo from shipwrecks on the beaches and then reloaded it on ships.  His father John Franklin Grozier was a road man who worked for the town of Truro for 32 years.  Mr.

Eleanor Small interview with Tales of Cape Cod, November 17, 1977. Born in 1909, Ms. Small describes her ancestors from Harwich. Her grandmother was related to Jonathon Walker, of "the branded hand" who married an Indian woman and went down south to help the slaves. He was captured and branded for helping slaves escape. She lived on the Cape with her grandmother and recalls several stories of local residents. She recalls the great Dennisport fire and Dr. Ginns block burned. Also remembers Ernie Cole, the blacksmith in Harwich Port and the Catholic church in Harwich Center burning.

February 14, 1978 interview with Elizabeth Woodman, who describes her experiences in the Lighthouse Service. One track towards the end of the tape is distorted, but it is still audible.

Notes: The Tales of Cape Cod Oral History Collection is housed at the William Brewster Nickerson Archives in the Wilkens Library at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts. For more information about the collection, please contact the Nickerson Archives, http://www.nickersonarchives.org/.

February 28, 1978 interview with Emma Marshall of Provincetown, born July 1893.

Born in 1892, Bonnell describes his experiences living on Cape Cod  including bullraking, digging clams, and tautog fishing; transportation to the Cape by train, early automobiles and motorcycles; early electric lights and kerosene lanterns; dentistry on the Cape in the early 20th century; Billingsgate Island; rum runners, and being the captain of a charter fishing boat.

Born in 1902, Mr. Hallett describes his childhood experiences from 1907-1909 while vacationing in South Dennis, Massachusetts. He also describes his experiences living as a summer resident in Silver Beach, North Falmouth, Massachusetts from 1910 to the 1920. He describes the costs of rentals and food in 1907, his experiences with Captain Howard Kelley family in South Dennis; his great uncle Joyce Taylor in Hyannis who was a prominent realtor and business man; Mr. Hallett's life as a child and teenager in Silver Beach, North Falmouth and the affluent neighbors who were summer residents.

Born in 1898, in West Barnstable, Mr.

Born in 1905, Mary recalls how she and her family traveled from Baltimore, Maryland to summer on Cape Cod each year.   She describes her experiences as a child living in Barnstable Village during the summers, rowing to Sandy Neck to buy lobsters, walking down Millway to Main Street and visiting the stationary store, garage and blacksmith shop, Phinney’s General Store and the hardware store.  She also describes the Cummaquid Golf Course, and the houses on Scudder Lane, where her family lived.  Mary tells a story her father told her about Leander Lewis who lived on Scudder

Captain Oliver describes trap fishing, early twentieth century Provincetown, the Shaw Fund for Mariner's Children, and his experiences taking Ernie Pyle out fishing.

Notes: The Tales of Cape Cod Oral History Collection is housed at the William Brewster Nickerson Archives in the Wilkens Library at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts. For more information about the collection, please contact the Nickerson Archives, http://www.nickersonarchives.org/.

Born in 1889, Mr. Hopkins describes his experiences growing up in Truro, Massachusetts.  He was the 6th of 8 children and was delivered by a midwife.  At 88 he attributes his longevity to good genes and cod liver oil.