Learning Resource:

Lake Erie Fishermen – Work, Identity, and Tradition

Lake Erie Fishermen: Work, Identity, and Tradition

by Lloyd, Timothy C.; Mullen, Patrick B.

This book  was published in 1990 by Univ. Ilinois Press, and is available online (open access) through ACLS Humanities E-Book collection. A summary of this book, as provided by ACLS Humanities, is described as follows:

Timothy C. Lloyd and Patrick B. Mullen began their fieldwork in March 1983 and ended it in September 1985. They spent a total of twelve weeks on or along the Lake, observing, interviewing and documenting the work of commercial fishermen on fishing boats, at shore seining sites, at local fish wholesale houses and at leisure in restaurants, VFW halls, bars, and at kitchen tables. They interviewed active and retired fishermen, members of their families, wholesale distributors, State of Ohio biologists and wildlife enforcement agents. They were lucky enough be able to document the techniques and customs of gill-net fishing before it was prohibited by state regulation a year ago. They found active verbal, material and customary traditions shared among local fishermen, through which the culture and identity of this group are expressed.

Chapters of this book are outlined in table of contents, as follows:

 

Format:

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The GLFHT is Getting an Upgrade—More to Explore This Summer!

With financial support from America250MI, we are excited to enhance the GLFHT website! We’re delivering a more accessible, user-friendly experience and expanded stories that celebrate fisheries heritage in Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes region.

Some highlights include new trail stories featuring local voices, curated educational resources for youth and educators, additional places to explore in our directory, and more ways to connect with coastal communities through history, culture, and stewardship.

The first phase of the upgraded site launched in June, with more content coming in August 2026. Thank you for visiting!

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