Grady Sullivan of Big Pine Key, Florida is a seasoned marine life collector and fisherman who has been a full-time resident of the Florida Keys for over two decades. His primary occupation involves collecting marine specimens for various purposes, including wholesale, retail, and for renowned marine life institutions such as SeaWorld and Miami Seaquarium. In addition to this, Sullivan also collects plants, mollusks, and live rocks for aquariums, showcasing a broad understanding and appreciation of marine life.

Art Barton, long-time resident of Key West, Florida, a fishing guide with a deep-rooted history and connection to the area. His first visit to the region was around 1962 or 1963, and he became a regular visitor thereafter. In 1972, after retiring, he decided to make Key West his permanent home, initially living there only during the winter months. By 1978, he had transitioned to living in Key West year-round and has remained there ever since. Barton is deeply involved in the local fishing industry, both as a hobby and a profession.

Narrator George Jones, of Key Largo, Florida, was a park manager and recreational fisher at the time of the interview.

Ed Swift is a seasoned businessman who has spent over four decades residing in the Keys. His life has been deeply intertwined with the waters surrounding the Keys, with experiences ranging from diving to fishing. Swift's passion for marine life was inherited from his father, a diver and journalist, who played a significant role in the charter boat fishing industry in Marathon. Swift's childhood memories are filled with fishing adventures in Marathon, which have shaped his understanding and appreciation of the marine ecosystem.

Freeman Bateman, Sr. is a seasoned commercial shrimper from Everglades City with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry. His career spans several decades, during which he has witnessed significant changes in the shrimping landscape. Bateman's deep understanding of the history of shrimping is rooted in his personal experiences and the stories passed down through generations. His insights extend beyond the technical aspects of shrimping to include the environmental factors that impact shrimp habitats.

John Koenig is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys with extensive experience on the waters surrounding the archipelago. His life has been deeply intertwined with the marine environment, giving him a unique and personal perspective on the ecological changes that have occurred over the years. Koenig's firsthand knowledge comes from years of direct interaction with the marine ecosystem, particularly through fishing, which has been both a passion and a way of life for him.

Jim Thomas is a seasoned marine biologist and conservationist with a career spanning several decades in the field of marine ecology. His expertise lies in fisheries, marine life, and coral reef ecosystems. Thomas has dedicated his professional life to the study and preservation of marine environments, with a particular focus on the intricate relationships between different species and their habitats. He has been actively involved in research, conservation efforts, and advocacy, working closely with both scientific communities and government agencies.

Ray Bently of Big Pine Key, Florida, was a recreational fisher at the time of the interview. He is a figure with a rich history connected to Key West, Florida. His narrative is deeply intertwined with the region's evolution, particularly in the context of its fishing industry. Bently's experiences reflect a time when Key West underwent significant changes, both culturally and environmentally.

Curtis Kruer is a seasoned professional in the field of fisheries, with a wealth of experience and knowledge that spans several years. His career has been marked by a deep involvement in various aspects of the fishery industry, including research, data collection, and report writing. Kruer's work has been instrumental in contributing to the understanding of fishery dynamics, as evidenced by his numerous reports and documents that have been used as reference materials in the field.

Narrator Ray Van Houten, of Big Pine Key, Florida, was a "Jack of all trades" and recreational fisher who lived aboard his boat. Born in the early 20th century, Van Houton witnessed the transformation of the Florida Keys from a remote string of islands to a bustling tourist destination. He grew up in a time when the Keys were largely undeveloped, and the economy was primarily driven by fishing and small-scale agriculture.