Neal, John and Jim Conoley have a passion for the outdoors and for sportfishing. They are keenly aware of the significant boatbuilding and sportfishing heritage along the Outer Banks and how quickly its memory can fade. Most importantly, they are committed to accurately documenting this history and paying tribute to the extraordinary people that created such a wonderful legacy.

• Dr. Neal Conoley has worked with the North Carolina Aquariums and the North Carolina Aquarium Society for over 25 years. In this capacity, he has been fortunate to meet many people that played an important role in the development of boatbuilding and sportfishing along the Outer Banks. Dr. Conoley has an undergraduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation as well as a Masters Degree and Doctoral Degree in Adult Education from North Carolina State University. He is the author of Waterfowl Heritage: North Carolina Decoys and Gunning Lore.

• Dr. John Conoley teaches in the Biology Department at East Carolina University. He holds an undergraduate degree in Biological Business Management as well as a Masters Degree in Education and Doctoral Degree in Instructional Technology from North Carolina State University.

• Jim Conoley is the Webmaster for the North Carolina Aquariums and he holds an undergraduate degree in Extension Education from North Carolina State University.