Susan Playfair

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Collapse of the New England Fishing Industry

Description

This research focuses on documenting the collapse of the New England fishing industry in 1990s, reconstructing a timeline of events and documenting the impacts on fishermen, employees from the support industry, regulators, council members, environmentalists, congress staff, US coast guard personnel, national marine fishery service staff, scientists, and journalists.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
03-29-2010
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

DOI
10.25923/3VPR-W353
Audio
Biographical Sketch

Susan Playfair, Scituate, Massachusetts, is an author and researcher with a deep interest in environmental and marine issues. She wrote a book on the faith of New England fisheries Vanishing Species and has dedicated a significant portion of her career to exploring the complexities of the fishing industry and its ecological impact. Playfair holds a degree in biology, which has provided her with a strong foundation for understanding the scientific aspects of marine ecosystems and the human activities that affect them. Over the years, she has built a reputation for her thorough investigative work and her ability to translate intricate environmental concerns into accessible language for the general public. Playfair's work often involves extensive field research, during which she immerses herself in the communities she studies. This hands-on approach has allowed her to gain insights into the lives and challenges of those who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. Her publications, which include books, articles, and essays, reflect a commitment to highlighting the delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation. Playfair's biographical sketch would not be complete without acknowledging her role as an advocate for sustainable practices and her contributions to the public discourse on conservation and responsible resource management.

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and dynamics within the Canadian fishing industry, with a particular focus on the contrasting fortunes of the East and West Coasts. The conversation delves into the reasons behind the thriving West Coast fishing industry and the struggles faced by the East Coast, acknowledging a lack of clarity on the causes and expressing an intention to further explore this topic. The interview also hints at a possible future discussion with an unnamed individual who may provide additional insights. The content of the interview covers a range of issues affecting the fishing community, including resource allocation and the division between fishermen with and without allocations. It highlights the tension, competition, and potential for litigation within the industry, painting a picture of an uncertain and stressful environment for those involved. The impact of regulations and foreign trawlers is discussed, as well as the historical instability of the industry. The participants consider the creation of marine sanctuaries and sector formation as potential solutions to these challenges. Additionally, the conversation touches on the technological advancements in fishing equipment, such as the development of LORAN and GPS, and the difficulties fishermen face in adapting to new regulations and navigating the political landscape of the industry. Playfair expresses frustration with the perceived unworkability of the system and the lack of transparency in decision-making. The need for better documentation and approaches that are more accessible to outsiders is also discussed, indicating a desire for reform and greater inclusivity in the industry.


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