Shana Kuhse, 24 years old at the time of the interview, is a deckhand and captain in Stonington, CT, where she mostly works on a lobster and conch boat but also fills in on draggers in the wintertime. Shana got her start in fishing as a bait stringer in high school, then worked her way into a crew job and now runs the boat part of the time. Shana hopes that participating in interviews like this one will help show the public and policy makers that the fishing industry is diverse and strongly committed to its future.

Scope and Content Note

Despite the industry's uncertain future and challenges such as regulations, declining catch, and shell rot, Kuhse says that she hasn't considered any other career and finds fulfillment in fishing. She worries about the industry's sustainability and its impact on her future, even though she purchased her own house. Kuhse anticipates the need for a second job to supplement her income and is uncertain about the stability of the industry in the coming years.

According to Kuhse, she has taken on more responsibility and now runs her own boats, including the Crustacean for lobstering and the Tradition for winter trips targeting fluke. She notes that fewer young people are entering the fishing industry due to its uncertain future and challenges. However, she observes older individuals getting into fishing for the first time or returning to it. Kuhse remains committed to persevering in the industry but acknowledges the difficulties and uncertainties ahead.

Kuhse expresses concern about potentially losing everything she loves if the industry were to decline. She recalls her teachers and her ex-boyfriend's family trying to dissuade her from pursuing fishing as a career, but her family has been supportive. She mentors younger individuals in the industry and advises them to persevere and find their niche. Kuhse emphasizes that fishing requires a strong will, determination, and the ability to form strong relationships with the crew. She notes the increasing difficulty in finding skilled deckhands and mentions the industry settling for subpar crews due to the lack of available personnel. Kuhse sees opportunities in the industry but highlights the need for a higher caliber of crew members and a shift in recruitment strategies.