Name/Title
Felando, August J.Entry/Object ID
OH00044Scope and Content
Tuna Boat Association
Mr. Felando followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a fisherman. His father was the first in San Pedro to build a large tuna clipper. His father owned the fishing boat the Adventure with a partner, and then the Olympic. He also owned the boat Treasure Island, which was taken for the war effort during WWII. His father helped to perfect the brine system of preserving fish. Through his father's influence however, Mr. Felando was only allowed to fished to pay his way through school. He became a lawyer, and latter he defended the tuna industry during the porpoise controversy.
Mr. Felando explains the cycling movement of sardines in California. He also explains that the tuna industry developed because of the disappearance of the sardines in California coast. He remembers helping his father service clipper boats during WWII. He also gives a colorful description of his first job on a purse seiner throwing porpoise off a tuna bait boat, helping to preserve their lives. He gives an emotional account of the legal battle for the preservation of the industry, and the loss of the American tuna industry in California. He explains why it was so difficult to remain in the business with the fishing restrictions on porpoise fishing. He describes the back down method of fishing. Mr. Felando was the President of the American tuna boat Association at the time the interview took place.Collection
Oral History CollectionLexicon
Search Terms
Oral History, Tuna Boat Association