Stanley Sargent

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Assessing Vulnerability and Resilience in Maine Fishing Communities

Description

This project developed a participatory, place-based approach for assessing the vulnerability and resilience of Maine fishing communities, documenting threats and resources available to respond to those threats. To understand the forces driving vulnerability, Johnson and graduate students Cameron Thompson and Anna Henry worked with community stakeholders to identify opportunities and strategies for improving resilience of fishing communities. They produced a summary report, entitled, “In Their Own Words: Fishermen’s Perspectives of Community Resilience.” 

Once upon a time, Maine fishermen and women harvested a diversity of species, from groundfish and herring to lobsters, clams, shrimp, and scallops, depending on market conditions and resource abundance. Today, Maine’s fishing culture is concentrated in 50 coastal communities and is overwhelmingly dependent on lobster, while regulations have restricted other fisheries. Since 1990, the number of vessels landing groundfish in Maine dropped from 350 to 70. At least 72 groundfish permits have been lost, and dramatic changes in management are imminent, leading Johnson to wonder, “How vulnerable are Maine’s fishing communities? What can be done to improve their resiliency to future change?”

These are the questions that federal fisheries managers must ask when assessing the impact of new rules, yet too often they don’t have the right data to answer the questions. This project developed a participatory, place-based approach for assessing the vulnerability and resilience of Maine fishing communities, documenting threats and resources available to respond to those threats. To understand the forces driving vulnerability, Johnson and graduate students Cameron Thompson and Anna Henry worked with community stakeholders to identify opportunities and strategies for improving resilience of fishing communities.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Stanley Sargent, born in 1965 in Stonington, Maine, is a seasoned commercial fisherman hailing from the rugged coastlines of Maine, a state renowned for its rich maritime heritage. Born into a family with deep roots in the fishing industry, Sargent's life has been inextricably linked to the sea from an early age. His forebears were among the hardy souls who braved the Atlantic's capricious moods to haul in the bounties of the ocean, passing down their knowledge and passion for the craft through generations. Sargent grew up absorbing the lore and skills necessary to navigate and harvest the sea's resources, a legacy he carries forward with pride and respect for the traditions of his community. Over the years, he has become a respected figure among the local fishing fleets, known for his expertise in various fishing techniques and his intimate understanding of the coastal ecosystems. His life story is a tapestry of early mornings, briny air, and the creak of wooden decks—a testament to the enduring human connection to the world's waters.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Stanley Sargent provides a comprehensive overview of his experiences and perspectives as a commercial fisherman in Maine. Sargent delves into his family's historical involvement in fishing and the evolution of his own career, which has included ground fishing, scalloping, and lobstering. He discusses the practical aspects of fishing, such as the types of fish targeted, the use of gillnets and their mesh sizes, and the daily routines necessary to maintain the quality of the catch. Sargent also addresses the operational challenges he has faced, including the recruitment and reliability of crew members, the design and setup of his fishing boat, and the critical use of ice for fish preservation. Throughout the interview, Sargent expresses his concerns about the future of the fishing industry, particularly the impact of political decisions, regulatory changes, and environmental factors on his livelihood. He reflects on the observed decline in fish sizes, the decrease in the number of fishing boats in Eastern Maine, and the competition from non-local vessels. Sargent shares anecdotes that illustrate the dangers and hardships of the profession, including near-sinkings and navigating treacherous waters. He also touches on the economic realities of the industry, such as the costs of gear, the complexities of selling fish through brokers, and the financial viability of ground fishing in the region.


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