Abstract

This paper traces the history of the pelagic surface longline fishing industry in Gouyave, Grenada, noting four major periods of change from pre-1985 to 2004. Reconstructed from document reviews, newspaper articles, oral history, and key informant interviews, (1) the pre-1985 period is the time when the longline was introduced and popularized by the Cubans. (2) The period of institutionalization and technology development (1986-90) corresponds to the strengthening of institutional arrangements and the initial improvements in technology. (3) The Coastal Fisheries Development Project (CFDP) of 1991-99 is the period of international donor support and further technology change in longline construction. (4) Finally, the 2000-04 period marks innovation, training and fish quality control for export markets. We conclude that fisheries management is about the management of unpredictable and complex human systems and marine ecosystems. The emphasis of the paper is the phenomenon of change, including change related to natural variability and uncertainty. Fishery managers need to learn to deal, not only with technology change, but also with surprise and variability related to biophysical change (e.g., hurricanes), change in markets, and other external drivers such as international management policies. To deal successfully with such changes, managers need to engage cooperatively with fishers and communities, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations

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