This is an oral history interview with Captain Paul Nelson, who talks about the history of fishing on the East Coast of Florida.

Oral history interview with Captain Bob Stone on the history of fishing on the East Coast of Florida

Narrator Peter Gladding of Key West, Florida was a commercial fisherman at the time of the interview.
 

Dave Nolan is a long-time resident of the Keys, having lived there for thirteen years. Prior to his move, he served in the Navy and was stationed in Japan. Nolan is currently in his late forties, soon to turn fifty. He first visited the Keys in the early 1960s before eventually deciding to settle there. Nolan earned a four-year college degree, and attended graduate school. After leaving the Navy, he initially worked in the charter boat industry before transitioning to his current role as the director of the AIDS Prevention Center.

Blondel Handcock is a seasoned fisherman with a rich history in the industry. Handcock has spent a significant portion of his life in the fishing industry, with his career spanning from 1976 to 1978. His experiences have not only been confined to his birthplace, but he also had the opportunity to work in Europe. Handcock's expertise in the field is evident in his detailed knowledge of fishing practices and the industry's dynamics. He has a deep understanding of the value of certain fishing practices and the implications of not adhering to them.

Joan Nolan is a long-term resident of the Florida Keys with a deep connection to the local marine environment. Her life in the Keys has been characterized by her close relationship with the water, both professionally and recreationally. Joan has spent years observing and interacting with the marine ecosystem through her occupation, which remains unspecified, and her extensive involvement in volunteer work related to water conservation and marine life protection.

Debbie Harrison is a long-time resident of the Lower Keys in Florida, having lived there for fifteen years, with a brief hiatus when she returned to Michigan to care for her mother. She is a certified diver since 1983 and has spent a significant amount of time exploring the back country and diving on the reef. Harrison has held a variety of jobs, including grafting, hotel/motel work, and working on a lobster boat, which she considered more fun than work. She has also worked as a planner for the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust and another unidentified organization.

Bennett Orr is a seasoned commercial fisherman who has been living in the Marathon area since 1993. Born in 1935, Orr has spent a significant portion of his life in the Florida Keys, specifically in Key West and Marathon. His primary occupation is fishing, with a focus on catching crawfish and stone crabs. During the summer, Orr switches to hook and line fishing, primarily targeting dolphins. He is known for his extensive knowledge of the local waters, fishing in the east and west to the north shore.

Narrator Jack Hill, of Key Largo, Florida, was the owner of a fish house and a former commercial fisherman at the time of the interview. Hill's formative years were spent mastering the craft of fishing, a skill passed down through generations. As he matured, he expanded his expertise beyond the immediate scope of fishing to encompass a broader understanding of market dynamics and trade.

Bernard Russell, a native of Whale Harbor and part-time fishing guide, has a deep-rooted connection with the ocean and the local fishing industry. He was born and raised in Key West, and currently resides in Islamorada. Born into a family with a long-standing history in the area, Russell spent most of his life caring for boats and engaging in fishing activities. His grandfather, a notable figure in the community, was instrumental in shaping the local fishing industry, which included the establishment of two fish houses built on the side of the railroad.