Thomas Jefferies, born in 1955, is a commercial fisherman from Freeport, Long Island. Raised on the bay, Jefferies was influenced by his grandparents, who owned a fishing station. After attempting various career paths, including teaching and other jobs, Jefferies found his way back to the bay in his late twenties, deciding to pursue fishing full-time. He has been dedicated to this profession for over three decades. Jefferies specializes in catching and supplying bait to local fishing stations and charter boats, focusing on species like mussels, spearing, sand eels, and squid. His business model relies on local marketing and maintaining a dependable supply chain within his community. Jefferies operates out of a family-owned property on the water, which he acquired with the support of his family. Throughout his career, Jefferies has adapted to changing environmental conditions and regulations, emphasizing the need for fishermen to diversify their activities to remain viable. He works year-round, adjusting his methods based on seasonal changes and market demands. Despite working mostly alone in recent years, Jefferies continues to sustain his business through resilience and adaptation.

Scope and Content Note
The interview conducted by Nancy Solomon on November 3, 2015, captures Thomas Jefferies' experiences and perspectives as a commercial fisherman in Freeport, Long Island. Jefferies discusses his early life, professional journey, and the pivotal decision to pursue fishing full-time. He details the operations of his bait fishing business, emphasizing the importance of local markets, reliability, and the diverse species he targets throughout the year. The interview provides insight into the challenges and adaptations required in commercial fishing, particularly in response to environmental changes and regulatory constraints. A significant portion of the interview focuses on the impact of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Jefferies recounts the immediate aftermath, including the damage to his home, boats, and equipment. He describes the extensive cleanup process and the subsequent changes in the bay's landscape, such as altered channel depths and marsh erosion. Jefferies also highlights the resilience of both the local ecosystem and the fishing community, noting the gradual recovery of fish populations and the collaborative efforts among fishermen to support each other. Additionally, the interview touches on broader issues affecting the fishing industry, such as the aging workforce, the influx of new markets for previously discarded species, and the challenges posed by inadequate sewage treatment facilities. The interview concludes with Jefferies reflecting on his ongoing commitment to fishing and the adaptability required to sustain his livelihood.