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

On May 16, 2009, Kenneth Brennan interviewed Captain Robert Stone for a project focused on the history of fishing on Florida's East Coast. Born in Ponce Inlet, Florida, in 1934, Captain Stone has spent a lifetime in the fishing industry, starting as a child working alongside his father during World War II. His early experiences involved both commercial and charter fishing, and his father's shift from recreational to commercial fishing during the war had a significant influence on Stone's career.

Debbie Carpe is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, having lived there since she was a child. She has a vivid memory of a significant event that occurred when she was around twelve years old, a phenomenon known as the red tide, which turned the sea red and caused a massive die-off of marine life. Carpe's recollection of the event is detailed, describing how the water looked and the impact on the fish, many of which were gasping for air at the surface. She took it upon herself to collect the struggling fish and bring them to a holding place at Coco Plum.

Freddy Manny has built a career that spans two distinct yet interrelated professions: sign painting and shrimping. His journey through the shrimping industry has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge about fishing techniques and the evolution of regulations within the field. Freddy has witnessed firsthand the effects of external factors such as Navy testing on the fishing environment and the resultant variations in shrimp sizes.

Narrator Pete Worthington, of Marathon, Florida, was a commercial fisher at the time of the interview with extensive experience in commercial fishing. His life in the Keys has provided him with a unique perspective on the local environment and the fishing industry. Over the years, Worthington has witnessed significant changes in Florida Bay, particularly noting a decline in water clarity and an increase in suspended algae particles. His firsthand observations and experiences have given him insight into the environmental shifts and challenges facing the region.

Tim Daniels is a seasoned pilot and commercial fisherman whose life and career are deeply intertwined with the coastal and marine environments of Florida Bay. With years of experience navigating the skies and waters of this region, Daniels has developed a profound understanding of its natural rhythms and the delicate balance of its ecosystems.

Herb Marvin is a native of Homestead, Florida, with deep familial ties to the region's commercial fishing industry. His personal history is interwoven with the environmental and industrial changes in Florida Bay. Marvin's upbringing in Homestead provided him with a unique perspective on the natural landscape and the community's reliance on its resources. His family's involvement in commercial fishing allowed him firsthand insight into the practices and challenges of the industry.

Karl Lessard is a seasoned marine biologist whose career has been deeply intertwined with the ecological evolution of Florida Bay since the 1980s. With a career spanning over four decades, Lessard has dedicated his life to studying the intricate ecosystems of coastal waters, specializing in the dynamics of seagrass and algal populations. His extensive fieldwork and research have made him a respected figure in the scientific community, particularly in the context of marine conservation and environmental change.

Ed Davidson is a seasoned mariner with over 25 years of experience operating boats in the Florida Keys. His extensive maritime career spans various sectors including sport fishing charters, headboat fishing operations, commercial fishing, and diving and snorkeling charters. Davidson's deep connection with the marine environment is not only professional but also academic. He holds a science degree and has conducted population studies on commercially valuable species. Over the years, Davidson has been an eyewitness to the steady decline in water quality and clarity in the Florida Keys.

Charles Mills is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, with a deep understanding of the local environment and the changes it has undergone over the years. His knowledge extends to the intricacies of the local water systems, including the impact of septic tanks and drain fields on the water quality. Mills is a strong advocate for responsible septic tank maintenance, arguing that regular cleaning can prevent system failures and potential contamination of the surrounding waterways.