Thurmond and Marie Kern
Boat Stories
Commercial fishing has deep cultural ties to the Georgia coast, particularly the shrimping industry, which is the state’s largest and most economically valuable fishery. Shrimping has played an integral role in shaping the identities of the commercial fishermen who have spent most of their lives on the water. At the heart of these identities are the fishing boats that have carried captains and their crew for decades.
These vessels have been bought and sold by fishermen up and down the coast for decades, connecting multiple generations of fishing families. They serve as the backbone of Georgia’s shrimping industry and have become iconic symbols for fresh and locally harvested seafood for the millions of residents and tourists who visit the coast.
In 2020-2021, Anthropologists at Georgia Southern University collaborated with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to record the stories and experiences of local shrimpers and their boats. Funded by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resource Division through a Coastal Improvement Grant (NOAA #NA20NOS4190175), student researchers learned about commercial fishing as they conducted these oral history interviews. These recordings powerfully preserve the voices and culture of commercial fishing to be shared with current and future generations. This database of knowledge is also available to guide science and regulatory decisions. Get to know Georgia's commercial fishermen by listening to their "Boat Stories"
Sierra Sutton
Thurmond and Marie Kern are a married couple residing in Brunswick, Georgia. Thurmond has had a long history with shrimping and has owned several boats over the course of his life. His passion for fishing is evident in his inability to retire, leading him to purchase another boat, the Lady Raven, named after his granddaughter. Marie, while not directly involved in the fishing, has been a supportive partner throughout their journey. The couple has witnessed significant changes in the fishing industry and has concerns about its future in their area.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Thurmond and Marie Kern, conducted on November 12, 2021, is part of the research project “Boat Stories.” The interview, lasting fifty-four minutes and fifty-four seconds, was recorded in Brunswick, Georgia, by interviewers Amber Chulawat and Sierra Sutton. The interview primarily revolves around the Kerns' history with shrimping and the various boats they have owned over the years. Thurmond shares stories of his experiences and trips he has taken for fishing excursions. The couple also discusses the fishing industry, its evolution, and their predictions for its future in their area. Thurmond talks about his current boat, the Lady Raven, and his previous boats, including the Wawee, Little Andy, Cap’n Jack, Miss Marie, and Warrior. He also shares a few memorable and challenging experiences, such as a near-death accident and the sinking of the Cap’n Jack. Thurmond expresses concern about the impact of out-of-state boats that fish around the clock and the need for a twelve-mile limit on closure. Despite the challenges, Thurmond's passion for fishing is evident in his daily routine of fishing seven days a week. The interview provides valuable insights into the lives of those involved in the fishing industry, their experiences, and their perspectives on the industry's future.
Project Note
This project is supported under grant award #NA20NOS4190175 to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources from the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of DNR, OCM or NOAA.
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