Private Story
Urchin Divers
Two brothers work the declining Maine sea urchin industry. For brothers and sea urchin divers Dan and Jamie Header, physical hardships and long days are the norm. In the past 15 years Maine's urchin landings have declined from 37 million pounds to under 4 million with no viable rebound in sight. Despite a shortened season, the reality of life on the boat remains mostly unchanged: diving six tanks is a productive day, selling for over $2 a pound is a good sell, and only winds greater than 20 mph or temperatures below 20 degrees will keep the boat out of the water.
Produced at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies / Fall 2009
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