Tony Jackett
Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews
This is a collection of 15 interviews conducted in 2007 with people on Cape Cod who are involved in the shellfishing industry. Five people who are employed by towns to manage and regulate shellfish (Shellfish Officers), seven people who own shellfish aquaculture businesses (Growers), and four people who harvest wild shellfish commercially (Commercial Harvesters) were asked the question “What does shellfishing mean to you?”. From that starting point, questions centered on how the individual got into shellfishing and then what they thought the future of shellfishing might be.
The interviews were conducted by Sandy Macfarlane, a retired shellfish biologist and conservation administrator for the town of Orleans. The work was done under a contract with the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension Marine Program. Each interview is summarized into a written document that varies from 807 to 1557 words long and has an accompanying photograph. The interviews represent geographic, age, gender, and experience diversity as well as shellfish species diversity. All interviewees are year round residents of Cape Cod. One theme that emerged from this work is that shellfishing remains an important component of the Cape Cod economy and culture and those who are involved are concerned about its continued presence.
Tony Jackett is a former commercial fisherman who transitioned into the role of a shellfish officer. In 2007, Tony Jackett was the Shellfish Constable for the towns of Truro and Provincetown on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. His career has been marked by a dedication to the management and preservation of shellfish resources in the towns of Provincetown and Truro. Jackett's work involves navigating the complexities of regulatory changes and advocating for sustainable practices within the shellfish industry.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Tony Jackett provides insight into the significance of shellfishing for the economy and culture of Cape Cod. Jackett shares his family involvement in fishing, his early experience with fishing and government regulations, and his personal journey from commercial fishing to his current role as a shellfish officer through a job retraining program, highlighting his commitment to the stewardship of shellfish populations in his jurisdiction. The interview covers his approach to resource management, restoration projects that he has worked on as a shellfish officer, the challenges posed by evolving regulations, and the critical need for sustainability in the shellfish industry. Jackett's perspective offers a valuable understanding of the local shellfishing community and its adaptation to contemporary environmental and regulatory landscapes.
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