Fishing is more than just a livelihood: Wellbeing and small-scale bag net fisheries governance in Gujarat, India

Abstract

The purpose of the thesis was to understand the socio-cultural dimensions of the small-scale bag net fishery practised in coastal Gir Somnath, India. Using an ethnographic methodology, I applied a three-dimensional social wellbeing approach to address the three research objectives: first to explore the supply chain, second to understand local governance and third to explore the values, beliefs and perceptions of local fishers. The research reveals that fishers relate, interact and negotiate with multiple parties to use a variety of resources that contribute towards their material wellbeing. The local fishery is governed by a mixed-regime where relationships make an important contribution. The worldview and beliefs of fishers are largely shaped by local fishery; however recent trends in the fishery, such as access to markets, have influenced the attitudes and perception of the fishers in this region.