Matthew Barr interviewed Jeremy Edens for the "Wild Caught" oral history project. Edens discusses his family's long-standing involvement in the fishing industry, tracing back to his great-grandfather, who started the family fish house business around 1925. Edens describes growing up in the fishing community, working in the family business from a young age, and eventually taking on more responsibilities after graduating high school in 1995. He discusses the decline in local shrimping and the impact of imported seafood on the domestic market.

Jerry Schill was born and raised in a small agricultural community in Pennsylvania, where his father served as the town's Postmaster. The family also owned a farm, and Schill learned to milk cows by hand from a young age. After high school, he joined the Air Force, during which time he got married. He has been married for nearly 48 years, has four children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Schill moved to North Carolina and became involved in the state's fisheries.

Interview with Jerry Schill, past president of the North Carolina Watermens Association

Jess Hawkins is a seasoned Marine Biologist who has dedicated his career to the management and conservation of marine fisheries. Born and raised in Bath, North Carolina, Hawkins developed a love for the outdoors, fishing, and hunting from a young age. This passion led him to pursue a career in marine biology. Hawkins began his career as a Fisheries Biologist with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, initially working as a Field Biologist in Little Washington before transitioning to an administrative role in Morehead City.

Jodie Davis, fish house operator and shrimper, has been immersed in the fishing industry from an early age. The Davis family has a long-standing tradition of involvement in commercial fishing, spanning multiple generations. Davis has been part of the family’s seafood business, transitioning from shrimping to managing various aspects of the operation. Davis is responsible for overseeing the processing and distribution of seafood, including washing and packing shrimp, retailing locally, and wholesaling to markets and restaurants in other states, such as Alabama.

• John grew up in Pennsylvania and received his Master’s degree in the early 1950s from Bucknell University
• He worked for about five years in the early 1950s as an oyster biologist for the State of Maryland near Annapolis
• He was hired as a fishery biologist with the Radiobiological Laboratory at the Beaufort Laboratory in 1955
• Retired from the Beaufort Laboratory in 1975
• John was 98 years old when he recorded this interview

Matthew Barr interviewed John Edens on September 1, 2003, for the "Wild Caught" project. John Edens, a long-time resident of Sneads Ferry, has spent his life in various fishing endeavors, including shrimping, clamming, oystering, and net fishing. The interview begins with Edens discussing the recent fishing season, noting it has been generally good despite some slow periods. He highlights significant issues affecting the shrimping industry, such as the scarcity of shrimp, small sizes, and competition from imports.

Matthew Barr interviewed John Edens in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, for the "Wild Caught" oral history project. John Edens, born and raised in Sneads Ferry, has been involved in fishing since childhood. His family has a long history in the area, with his ancestors being farmers and fishermen dating back to the 1800s. His wife's family is also deeply rooted in the fishing industry, originating from Florida. The interview provides a comprehensive overview of John Edens' life and experiences in the fishing industry.

Dr. Jeff Govoni's was born in Wareham, Massachusetts, and spent his formative years in the Village of Buzzards Bay, fostering a deep fascination with the local plants and animals. He pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Biology at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, which he successfully completed in 1970. Following his graduation, he joined the Massachusetts National Guard. In the years that followed, from 1972 to 1974, Jeff worked with a consulting firm, focusing on describing the distribution of fish eggs and larvae in Narragansett Bay.

Dr. John V. Merriner, originally from Winchester, Virginia, has dedicated his career to the field of fisheries. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Rutgers University in 1964. John pursued higher education at North Carolina State University, where he earned both his Master's degree in 1967 and his Ph.D. in Fisheries in 1973. From 1970 to 1982, John was employed at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. In 1982, he joined the staff at the NMFS Beaufort Laboratory, taking on the role of Fisheries Division Chief.