Al Cottone was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, in 1965.  His parents immigrated from Sicily, and his father was a life-long fishermen.  Cottone graduated from Gloucester High School in 1983, and has been fishing out of Gloucester ever since.  

Scope and Content Note

Alan Cass, a 60-year-old male, is a retired fisherman with a diverse ethnic background of English, Irish, and Portuguese heritage. He spent his career as a fisherman based in the home port of New Bedford, where he primarily engaged in scalloping. Alan has a deep connection to the sea and has experienced various aspects of the fishing industry, from working on fishing vessels to being involved in the fishermen's union. Over the years, he has navigated through challenging conditions, weathered fishermen's strikes, and witnessed significant changes in fishing technology and regulations.

Bio: Alan James, known as AJ, was born on May 29, 1955, in New London, Connecticut. He grew up in foster homes in the Woonsocket, Rhode Island area and later moved back to Connecticut. AJ is a male of White ethnicity and is currently 57 years old. He has worked as a cook and deckhand on the F/V Apollo, a commercial fishing vessel based in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Mr. Wheeler shares two stories from his life as a fisherman and the son of a fisherman.

Mr. Bruce tells the story of when his family was fishing in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, during a family vacation.

Alexander Chavis, a twenty-seven-year-old male, is a dedicated worker at Bergie’s Seafood in New Bedford. Originally from El Salvador, Chavis moved to the United States when he was sixteen years old in search of better opportunities. Prior to his move, he assisted his mother in her small restaurant business and had aspirations of becoming a teacher. However, the high cost of university education in El Salvador led him to seek opportunities elsewhere. Upon his arrival in the U.S., Chavis was helped by friends and family in New Bedford to secure his first job in fish packing.

Alfred Woodcock was a self-taught scientist and observer of nature who made significant contributions to the fields of oceanography and meteorology. He began his career as one of the first employees of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and sailed on the maiden voyage of the research vessel Atlantis in 1931. Woodcock worked as a laboratory and ship's technician, conducting various studies related to hydrography, plankton migration, and meteorology.

Alvah M. Bearse was a prominent figure in the history of Hyannis, Massachusetts, with his life story intricately linked to the development of this Cape Cod town. Born into a family with deep local roots, Bearse witnessed the transformation of Hyannis from a quaint village to a bustling center of commerce and tourism. His grandparents were well-known in the community, engaging in various trades that contributed to the town's economy and culture. Bearse's upbringing was characterized by a blend of traditional education and practical skills, which later influenced his career choices.

Amanda Wright is a lobster sternman with over 22 years of experience in the fishing industry. She primarily operates out of Newport, Rhode Island, and has also worked in Wickford and various locations across the state. Amanda's journey into lobstering began after moving to Rhode Island from Princeton, New Jersey, and exploring other career paths like pottery and scalloping. Her dedication to the fishing trade has led her to become an integral part of the industry.

Ms. Bailey tells about the various fish she has caught while recreational fishing.