Sociological
Baseline of Hawaii-Based Longline Fishery: Extension and Expansion of
Scope
Progress
Reports (PDF): FY
2010, FY 2009,
FY 2008, FY
2007, FY 2006, FY
2005
Project Overview
This project extends the time frame and expand the scope
of an existing PFRP project, Sociological
Baseline of Hawaii's Longline Fishery. The purpose of that project
is to compile a comprehensive sociocultural profile of the longline
fishing industry of Hawaii and provide information to decision-makers,
including the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, on
regulatory impacts and implementation strategies. Interviews conducted
with longline captains, owners, crew, and direct support businesses
have yielded more and richer types of information than anticipated,
requiring additional time for data coding and both qualitative and quantitative
analysis. Project researchers have also identified more key individuals
than initially predicted (160 to date, compared to initial estimates
of 125 total). A wealth of data is emerging from interviews with Filipino
crew members, for example, regarding fishing practices, the culture
of crewing, and the Honolulu-based crew as a community.
As a result,
this project is an extension of the sociological baseline project allowing
researchers to more fully explore fish distribution channels and markets
for longline-caught fish. Based on the information gained to date, it
has become apparent that the process of fully documenting the sociocultural
aspects of fish distribution channels for longline caught pelagic fish
and interactions with economic considerations would constitute a significant
expansion of effort. Hawaii longline fisheries provide roughly 75% of
the pelagic fishery landings in Hawaii, so following the distribution
channels for these fish would constitute study of a major portion of
the local landings.
The Western
Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (2003) listed the various
sectors of the distribution channels including the Honolulu fish auction,
wholesalers, fish peddlers, retailers, and restaurants, as well as how
prices change as a fish makes its way from fisherman to consumer.
Although
these distributions channels have been studied from an economic perspective
(Pooley 1986) and as a sociological entity (Peterson 1973), they either
did not explore sociocultural aspects of fish distributors and/or were
conducted well before the arrival of longline vessels that changed the
nature of the fishing industry in Hawaii.
The main
objectives of this project extension are to:
- Describe
the people and businesses involved in the distribution of Hawaii longline
caught fish, with a focus on sociocultural variables and their influences
on distribution of fish apart from economic influences;
- Describe
and communicate the results so they will be applicable to socioeconomic
impact assessment of future regulatory changes and other actions affecting
supply of and demand for pelagic fish;
- Extend
the fieldwork being conducted by our existing PFRP longline project
to additional people and business sectors involved in the Hawaii-based
longline industry, adding to the breadth and depth of the sociocultural
profiles being developed.
The project
will have three phases:
- Phase
I will involve refining the sampling procedures, interview topics
and planned analyses. A sequential sampling process would be used;
asking each business in the distribution chain who they buy from and
sell to, so fish can be tracked through diverse distribution channels.
The sampling goal is to identify a full range of participants in fish
distribution channels of Hawaii longline-caught fish rather than to
conduct a census or develop a random sample. Interpreters may be enlisted
to assist with conducting some of the interviews.
Based on research to date, a number of potential areas of interest
have already emerged:
• History
in the fish industry, how they got started in it, and how they came
to be involved with the Hawaii-based longline industry;
• Obstacles faced in the business, how they responded, what options
they considered in addressing the obstacles, and perceptions of their
decision;
• Whether the swordfish closure affected their operations and,
if so, how they adjusted their business practices;
• Social and cultural considerations in buying and selling fish
and their effects on how business practices have changed over time;
• Providing interviewee the opportunity to say anything else
about themselves, their role in the longline industry, social networks,
or fishing in general, and whether they would like to see a copy of
the results of the study when completed.
- Phase
II will involve conducting fieldwork. Interviews with a total of 40-60
individuals and businesses involved in fish distribution channels
are anticipated, although the number would be adjusted as the study
progresses and information is gained. Data from the interviews will
be transferred to quantitative and qualitative data bases for further
analysis as they are collected.
- Phase
III will involve analyzing the interview data and developing a report
that describes sociocultural aspects of distribution of Hawaii longline-caught
fish. Project researchers will identify links with information collected
by the existing study of longline owners, captains, crew, and suppliers.
It is anticipated that project findings will be presented at the Lake
Arrowhead Tuna Conference or similar venue.
Funding
for this 1-year project estimated to be available mid 2004.
Literature
cited:
• Peterson, Susan Blackmore. 1973. Decisions in a market: A study
of the Honolulu fish auction. Dissertation submitted to University of
Hawaii, Manoa, Department of Anthropology, December 1973.
•
Pooley, Samuel G. 1986. Competitive markets and bilateral exchange:
the wholesale seafood market in Hawaii. Southwest Fisheries Center Administrative
Report H-86-8, July, 1986.
•
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council. 2003. Hawaii seafood market
for pelagic fish. Document available at http://wpcouncil.org/documents/pel_mrkt.pdf
Accessed 11/4/03.
Principal
Investigators:
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