Abstract

Situations in small-scale fisheries where individualistic social networks prevail instead of social cohesion and community are seldom documented. Yet they may define limits to the feasibility of co-management. This paper examines the fishery-related uncertainties perceived by fisherfolk involved in the Barbados commercial, small-scale, pelagic fishery, and the social strategies of atomism, personal networks and formal organizations that they may use to cope with uncertainty. Evidence of social atomism is weak. Social networks, which tend to be individualistically-oriented among fishers, boat owners and processors, but more cooperative among vendors, are prevalent. Attempts by the harvest sector to formally organize have failed repeatedly, but efforts to use this strategy persist. Findings are based upon surveys, social network analysis, and participant observation. An incremental, institution-building approach to co-management, which may be relevant to other similar situations, is proposed for Barbados.

PDF Preview