Wan Ho
Endangered Fishing Traditions of the Greater Miami Area
Broadly, the project seeks to preserve the rich history of endangered fishing traditions in the Greater Miami Area. These oral histories expand our knowledge and enrich our understanding of the region's fisheries as well as the role that fishing has had in shaping the region’s economic and cultural life. Our goal was to interview key individuals connected to the fishing history of Miami, including: commercial and for-hire fishers; fish dealers/processors; fish markets; and bait and tackle shops. Geographically, we aim to cover major fishing areas that are endangered and undergoing rapid change. These include the following: Miami River, Coconut Grove (Montys), Haulover Park in North Miami. The first collection of interviews are focused on the Miami River. These interviews are conducted in English and Spanish.
Fantastic Transcripts
Wan Ho was born in Canton, China, in 1952. He moved to the United States in 1974 at the age of 22, initially residing in New York. He began his career in the seafood industry working for a dealer in New York, where he conducted research on conch meat, also known as whelk, and facilitated its export to China. In 2010, Wan transitioned to the lobster industry, establishing connections with commercial fishermen in Florida. By 2011, he founded his own business, focusing on exporting live spiny lobsters and golden crabs to China. Wan's business operations were based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, although his professional activities often required travel to the Florida Keys and the Miami River area. Over time, he developed a diversified business model, including retail and wholesale operations, to sustain profitability. Wan retired in 2019, having sold his business but maintained ownership of a marina in Marathon, Florida. His son, Jason Ho, was actively involved in the business, particularly in managing export operations.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Wan Ho, conducted on February 19, 2020, covers his entry into the seafood industry, particularly focusing on his experiences in the lobster export business. Wan discusses the technical and logistical challenges of maintaining the quality and viability of live seafood during export, including the impact of water temperature and seasonality on lobster mortality. He explains the market dynamics, detailing how competition and international events, such as the trade war between the U.S. and China and the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced demand and pricing. Wan provides insights into his business operations, including the establishment of live tanks, packing processes, and strategies for exporting lobsters to China. He also addresses the impact of natural disasters, like Hurricane Irma, on his business and the broader industry. Jason Ho contributes by describing his role in managing export operations and the operational adjustments made to sustain the business during market downturns. The interview highlights the importance of business diversification and strategic planning in navigating the complexities of the seafood export industry.
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