Richard Culbreath is a member of the Culbreath family from Cortez, Florida, and is associated with the Cortez Grand Old Opry. His contributions to the local music scene are notable, and he plays an integral role in the preservation of regional musical traditions. Leo Galle, hailing from Biloxi, Mississippi, is a musician who collaborates with the Culbreath family. Ray Bach is from Myakka City, Florida, and also participates in the musical activities of the Cortez Grand Old Opry.

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.

Daniel Gilford is an atmospheric scientist who has had a lifelong fascination with the power and impact of hurricanes. His interest in meteorology was sparked by his personal experiences with hurricanes in Florida during the 2004 hurricane season, when he was just fifteen years old. He vividly recalls the awe-inspiring power of Hurricane Jean, which caused a tree to crash down near his home. Gilford pursued his interest in meteorology at Florida State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree [3].

Danny Ratfield is a seasoned expert in Florida's coastal areas and fisheries, with nearly 30 years of experience exploring locations like the Florida Keys and the Everglades. He advocates for studying and addressing red tide and water quality issues to restore the natural balance of the ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of sustainable solutions.

Scope and Content Note

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.

David McClellan was born on August 18, 1949 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He worked for NOAA at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center as a Fisheries Research Biologist for 37 years, conducting countless dives to gather data on the fisheries.

Interview contains discussion of: Southeast Fisheries Science Center, collecting fisheries data, NOAA divers, evolution and effect of data collection technology, benefits and disadvantages for working for a government agency, Reef Fish Visual Census Program.

David Fraine is a seasoned maritime professional with a career spanning over 25 years on the MV Liberty and MV Freedom Star. His role as the first officer on these unique vessels was instrumental in the operation of the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) recovery ships. Fraine's experience extends beyond the helm, as he was also responsible for maintaining the ships in the challenging tropical climate of the Florida coast. His duties included the cross-training of crew members, ensuring a versatile and adaptable team.

Dave Zalewski is an experienced charter boat captain  from Madeira Beach. With over 35 years of expertise, he specializes in offshore fishing along Florida's coast. 

Scope and Content Note

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.

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.