About This Project

This project seeks to collect oral histories of fishing in Berkeley and the East Bay Park shoreline, particularly along the historical Berkeley pier.  Our themes are the impact of intergenerational experiences in establishing life-long connections to the outdoors, having welcoming and comfortable spaces for people of all backgrounds to enjoy nature in an urban setting, and displacement from these areas through gentrification and changing social habits.  

Interviews and testimonials document a history of fishing at the shoreline and coast for recreation, well-being and dietary supplement during a period of transition after World War II and demographic changes as the area developed.  Fishers’ share their perspectives on growing up fishing at the pier and local area, motivation to travel to fish at that particular spot, the community of people at the pier and viewpoints on shoreline development and access.  

The stories are enjoyable and educational in and of themselves, and inform us of the underestimated importance of intergenerational influences on our connection to nature, demographic shifts which may raise barriers to green space and blue space, and affordable and equitable public access to environmental amenities. 

Banner image: Dr. B's Fine Photography

Top left:  Man and woman on Berkeley pier. Mark Peters. Courtesy of Berkeley Historical Society.

Bottom left:  sfgate.com