Heath and Lee Hudson are mussel fishermen and entrepreneurs based in Maine. Heath Hudson owns a thirty-three-foot dragger named the Ms. Daisy, which was originally a lobster boat converted into a dragging vessel for mussel harvesting. The Hudsons operate the Frenchmen Bay Mussel Company, which was initially started by Heath's father. After his father retired, Heath purchased his boat and continued the family business.

Henry Thompson, Sr., born on October 7, 1947, has been a lifelong resident of Friendship, Maine. His family has deep roots in the community, spanning three generations. Henry is a father of two children and a grandfather to eight grandchildren. For ten years, Henry worked as a lobster buyer, purchasing lobsters from local fishermen, before working as a lobsterman.  His hobby is metal detecting. 

Herbert Carter Jr. is a commercial shellfish harvester from Deer Isle, ME.

Scope and Content Note

Herb Hodgkins is a renowned figure in the lobster industry, known for his expertise as a lobster fisherman, entrepreneur, and researcher. Born and raised in Hancock, Maine, Herb was exposed to the world of lobster fishing at a young age, accompanying his father on fishing trips. From being a curious helper to occasionally being a little nuisance, Herb developed a deep-rooted connection to the lobster industry. Although Herb didn't pursue lobster fishing as a full-time occupation, he remained closely involved in various other aspects of the industry.

Hollis Matthews was born in 1925 and has spent the majority of his life in Eastport, Maine. Before his career as a customs officer, Matthews worked in the local fisheries, where he was involved in the processing of fish for various uses such as canning, fishmeal, pet foods, and scales. He retired from his customs officer position in 1990. Matthews is also known for his extensive collection of photographs, many of which were given to him by members of the community. Wayne Wilcox was born in 1954 and, like Matthews, was born and raised in Eastport, Maine.

Howard is a meat cutter who went fishing with his father. He explains what is was like not being able to take over his father's fishing business.

Project Leaders: Lisa L. Colburn and Kate E. Yentes
Date Collection Completed: On going
Location: www.voices.nmfs.noaa.gov
Geographic Location: Locations across New England

On October 21, 2011, Cameron Thompson interviewed Howard "Howie" Edwards, Jr., in Rockland, Maine, for the project Assessing Vulnerability and Resilience in Maine Fishing Communities. Edwards, a lifelong resident of Rockland, reflects on his experiences growing up in the region, his family's multi-generational ties to the area, and his personal history as a part-time lobsterman during his youth.

Hugh Akagi is the chief of the Passamaquoddy on the Canadian side of the border. He lives in Canada and is deeply connected to his family and relatives on the reserve. Akagi is committed to preserving cultural heritage and advocating for the rights of Indigenous fishers. He has a background in fisheries research and has participated in Species at Risk talks and aboriginal advisory committees, demonstrating his dedication to protecting the natural environment and its species.

Hugh French is a lifelong resident of Eastport, Maine, who has witnessed the economic shifts in his community over the years. Although he was never directly involved in the fishing industry, he has a deep understanding of its impact on the local economy, particularly the rise and decline of the sardine industry and the increased dependence on lobstering. French is currently the Director of the Tides Institute, a position that allows him to observe and contribute to the community's development.

Frank Heller and Jack Collins, two friends and prospective aquaculturists from Brunswick, ME, share anecdotes from their life including how Heller broke his leg while walking on Popham Beach, was treated by the same doctor as Stephen King, and few years later, broke his wrist in the same location as the leg. Both men are interested in organic ocean farming and discuss the information they learned at the Forum about oyster aquaculture and seasteads.