Interviewer(s): T. McGuire. Golden Meadow, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

Wilbert Collins, born in 1937, is one of only a handful of oystermen left in lower Lafourche Parish. His grandfather started the business in the 1930's, and Wilbert's son Tracy is carrying it on - the fourth generation. After 50 years of working oysters, Wilbert himself isn't going out on the boats much anymore. He is active in the Louisiana Dealers and Growers Association, fighting with federal agencies over repeated efforts to restrict raw oyster sales in the summer, due to potential health effects. He is also currently on the Commission for Port Fourchon, spearheading the fundraising effort to get a monument placed there for Senator A.O. Rappelet, the early driving force for the port.

I try to touch base with Wilbert whenever I'm in the Golden Meadow area. He is one of the most respected of the old-time oyster farmers.