Thornell King

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Description

The goal of the “Fishing Traditions and Fishing Futures” project is to raise awareness of the experiences of commercial fishermen and their changing livelihoods in Georgia by documenting their local fisheries knowledge   and perspectives about the state and fate of Georgia’s commercial fishing industry through the use of oral  histories. Capturing the life stories and experiences of Georgia’s commercial fishermen is especially important since many local communities have depended on the coastal environment for their economic and cultural base  for generations.

Date of Interview
03-24-2018
Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

The interview begins with a brief history of Thornell King's childhood and his father’s involvement in selling fish back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He then goes on to talk about his brief interest in shrimping and how that eventually led him into the world of jellyballing. He describes his time under his mentor, George Tye, and how Tye eventually gifted him his three boats and his jellyballing company. This leads King into the overall process of jellyballing and how important it is to conserve our oceans in order for the animals to thrive so they can continue fishing them. He then discusses regulations and how he feels they are necessary, similar to a speeding ticket, simply a mechanism to protect the ocean and sea creatures. He then reflects on his career as a “Jellyball King” and owes his success to giving back to the community, whether it’s through jobs or giving free food to those who can’t afford it. This is something he learned from his father, who would often give away some of his products to those in need as well. Later, he expounds on his thoughts regarding fishing in Georgia and believes others should know and care about the fishing communities, as well as taking care of the water as it all eventually goes into the ocean. This then brings him to the topic of the futures of Georgia’s fishing communities, which he believes won’t die, but will need someone to step up and take charge of the industry. He ends with his thoughts on his career and would want to do it again (without buying his first shrimp boat) and hopes more distributors will be available for jellyballing in order for me people to be able to be involved in the industry.


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