The Mississippi Gulf Coast Seafood Industry: A People's History

The seafood industry on the Mississippi coast has attracted immigrants and other workers, providing employment and sustenance to Coast peoples. Deanne Love Stephens tells the stories of these workers and identifies key populations who have worked this harvest, including oyster and shrimp processing. This book is the first to offer a broad view of the many ethnic groups and distinct populations who toiled in the oyster and shrimp industries, relying heavily on contemporary newspapers, oral histories, and interviews to create a rich picture of the industry and its workers. It also provides an overview of significant early developments and the beginnings of the industry, considering the development of railroad expansion, lighthouse construction, and ice technology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 04 June 2021
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

The coastal Mississippi seafood industry has been a magnet for immigrants and other workers, drawn by the promise of maritime livelihoods and the region's abundant resources. For generations, this industry has provided employment and sustenance to the Coast peoples, with oyster and shrimp processing being the most significant trades. The history of the Gulf Coast is closely intertwined with these two delicacies, shaping its development and growth.

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the diverse ethnic groups and distinct populations who have worked in the oyster and shrimp industries. Author Deanne Love Stephens has relied on contemporary newspapers, oral histories, and interviews to create a rich and detailed picture of the industry and its workers. Through her work, Stephens sheds light on the often overlooked and unappreciated contributions of these laboring people, who toiled daily in factories and often went unheard and unrecognized.

The book provides an overview of significant early developments and the beginnings of the seafood industry, considering the impact of railroad expansion, lighthouse construction, and ice technology. Stephens also delves into significant state and federal legislation that both defined and protected marine resources, illustrating the depth of the industry's importance as Mississippians grappled with the challenge of preserving oyster and shrimp resources throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

One of the key themes of the book is the changing nature of the seafood industry over time. From its humble beginnings as a small-scale enterprise, the industry has grown into a major economic force, employing thousands of people and generating billions of dollars in revenue. However, this growth has also brought challenges, including environmental concerns and labor disputes.

Stephens explores the impact of these challenges on the industry and its workers, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices made by those who have worked tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of the seafood industry. She also sheds light on the efforts of community organizations and activists who have worked to protect the rights and livelihoods of seafood workers and promote sustainable practices.

Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of labor history and the history of the Gulf Coast. It provides a nuanced and comprehensive view of the industry and its workers, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the contributions of marginalized and underrepresented populations. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and dynamic history of the seafood industry and the people who have shaped it.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496833501