Steve Train

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Collecting Stories at the National Working Waterfronts and Waterways Symposium 2018

Description

Collecting Stories at the National Working Waterfronts and Waterways Symposium 2018 is a project of Maine Sea Grant, College of the Atlantic, the Island Institute, and the National Working Waterfront Network.

Date of Interview
05-16-2018
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Audio
Biographical Sketch

Stephen Train is a seasoned commercial fisherman hailing from Long Island, Maine, a tight-knit community deeply rooted in maritime traditions. Born into a family with a rich legacy of fishing, Train has spent the majority of his life navigating the waters of the North Atlantic, harvesting the sea's bounty. His intimate knowledge of the local marine environment, coupled with years of hands-on experience, has made him a respected figure among his peers. Train's life story is interwoven with the ebb and flow of the ocean tides, reflecting a personal and professional identity that is inextricably linked to the sea. As a community member, he has witnessed the evolution of the fishing industry, adapting to the shifting currents of environmental, economic, and regulatory changes. His dedication to his craft extends beyond the fishing vessel; he is an active participant in local initiatives aimed at preserving the working waterfront and ensuring the sustainability of the fishing community for future generations.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Stephen Train provides a comprehensive overview of the working waterfront on Long Island, Maine, and its significance to the local community. Steve Train, a commercial fisherman, speaks about the commercial working waterfront on Long Island, ME, and its relationship and dependence on the Portland working waterfront for commercial fishing, education, and the island communities. He highlights the importance of having access to the waterfront and the challenges Long Island has faced with state control of the water and with the attempts to implement aquaculture. Train delves into the multifaceted nature of the waterfront, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs experienced by those who make their living from the sea. He articulates the intricate relationship between Long Island and the City of Portland, as well as with other islands in Casco Bay, underscoring the interconnectedness of these coastal communities. The conversation sheds light on the pressing issues facing the fishing industry, such as the rising costs of waterfront property and the looming threats to the sustainability of local fisheries. Train speaks candidly about the difficulties inherent in maintaining a vibrant fishing community on an island, touching on the decline of lobster populations, the hurdles of accessing the mainland, and the constraints imposed on aquaculture. Furthermore, he emphasizes the need for greater understanding and advocacy from entities like the National Working Waterfront Network, suggesting that external support is crucial for the survival and prosperity of the working waterfront and its inhabitants. The interview serves as a testament to the resilience of the fishing community and the critical role it plays in the cultural and economic fabric of coastal Maine.


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