Tucker Crawford
The Hudson River Maritime Museum’s Hudson River Commercial Fishermen’s Oral History Collection
The Hudson River Maritime Museum’s Hudson River Commercial Fishermen’s Oral History Collection consists of interviews with commercial fishermen conducted in the early 1980s and early 1990s. Locations discussed range from New York City to Albany and time periods from the 1920s to the 1990s. The focus of these interviews is primarily on the decline of the commercial fishing industry, including changes in fishing techniques and gear, changes in water quality and pollution, economic and market changes, and changes in fishing populations, including government regulation.
Content note: Some of the terminology used in these interviews reflects the time period and personalities of the people being interviewed and not that of the Hudson River Maritime Museum or New York Heritage.
You can explore this collection and others at: https://nyheritage.org/collections/oral-histories-hudson-river-commercial-fishermen
On October 28, 1989, Tucker Crawford was interviewed for The Hudson River Maritime Museum’s Hudson River Commercial Fishermen’s Oral History Collection. The interview focuses on Crawford's experiences as a fisherman on the Hudson River, particularly his work with sturgeon, shad, and bass. Crawford details the techniques and challenges of sturgeon fishing, including net sizes, the processing of caviar, and the impact of fishing regulations. He discusses the evolution of the fishing industry, environmental factors affecting fish populations, and changes in community dynamics over time. Crawford also recounts stories of illegal bass fishing during off-seasons and his interactions with law enforcement, as well as his observations of unusual natural phenomena and wildlife behaviors.
On January 12, 1992, Tucker Crawford discusses his extensive experience as a fisherman on the Hudson River, focusing on sturgeon, striped bass, shad, and crab fishing. He provides detailed descriptions of his fishing techniques, including using various net sizes, the challenges of processing sturgeon caviar, and adapting gear to improve efficiency. Crawford reflects on the environmental changes in the Hudson River over decades, the impacts of pollution, and the effects of regulatory changes on the fishing industry. He shares anecdotes about illegal fishing activities, encounters with law enforcement, and the camaraderie among fishermen. Crawford also recounts personal stories about his family, mentors, and the evolution of his career, emphasizing the hard work and ingenuity required to succeed in the fishing industry.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.