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NOAA's Heritage Success Stories
Preserving the Heritage of New England's Fishing Communities
Jonesport-Beals students interview the owner of a local fishing supplies business (2003). Photo: Linda Church.
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A project sponsored by the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology is giving high school students the opportunity to learn about history, culture, science, language arts and business through the lens of the marine fisheries field.
During the 2003-04 academic year, approximately 175 students from two high schools in Maine (Jonesport-Beals and Ellsworth High Schools) interviewed members of their community involved in marine fishing and other marine-dependent professions and activities. Through the Local Fisheries Knowledge (LFK) Project, students were able to explore and preserve their maritime cultural heritage. The LFK Project uses a place-based curriculum to ensure lessons are relevant to students' lives and local communities. By incorporating human dimensions into marine education students are able to learn first-hand how coastal and ocean resources have shaped their communities.
During the initial pilot year, students from Jonesport and Ellsworth learned how fluctuations in local species like groundfish and lobster have impacted their communities, and how the demand for seafood in local and foreign markets affect local businesses. They also received local perspectives on fishery management strategies.
"I really like hearing the older people tell stories of their childhoods," said a senior from Jonesport. "I didn't realize the effects on the elders about how much the community has changed over the years and the abundance of lobsters."
Students are continuing to conduct interviews. The pilot project ends in June 2005. Please visit the LFK Project website for additional information.
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