Shannon Huie

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town

Description

For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
07-19-2000
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Video
Abstract

On July 19, 2000, Matthew Barr interviewed Shannon Huie for the Wild Caught project. Shannon Huie, a resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, comes from a family deeply rooted in the local fishing industry. Huie grew up surrounded by the fishing business. His grandfather owned a fish house, and his father was a lifelong commercial fisherman. In this interview, Huie provides an overview of his experiences growing up in Sneads Ferry and the current state of the fishing industry. He discusses the significant changes in the industry, particularly the increasing financial pressures and unfair market practices that have made it difficult for traditional fishermen to sustain their livelihoods. Huie explains how fish house operators often manipulate prices to their advantage, leaving fishermen with reduced earnings despite their hard work. Huie also describes the overcrowding of fishing areas, particularly during the opening days of the shrimping season, when a surge of boats from various regions compete for limited resources. This intense competition and the subsequent drop in prices further strain local fishermen's ability to make a living. Huie emphasizes the sense of freedom and independence that fishing once provided, contrasting it with the current reality where financial stability is elusive, and the industry is dominated by those with significant capital. Throughout the interview, Huie reflects on his connection to fishing despite its declining viability as a primary occupation. He recounts working alongside his father and the joy of being on the water but also acknowledges the necessity of supplementing his income through other jobs, such as plumbing. 


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