Fishing cultures: marine fisheries and sense of place in coastal communities

Abstract

Fisheries do not exist in isolation from other social and economic coastal systems. In addition to the economic impact that fisheries have, many coastal towns with fishing fleets have a strong cultural heritage based on the fishing industry. It is this cultural heritage that can in turn give rise to a strong sense of place that is important for local residents as well as visitors and the tourism industry. Using case study material from coastal communities in Sussex and Cornwall, this paper explores the contribution of marine fisheries to sense of place and the importance of place identity for related industries such as tourism. Is fishing important for communities as simply a means of earning a living, or is it a way of life with more deeply embedded cultural relationships? Does fishing contribute to local identity and does it play a role in defining sense of place? This study draws on qualitative data from interviews with a range of stakeholders, including fishermen, fishing families, residents, tourism providers, tourists, local town planners and policy makers as well as an exploration of the material environment through photographs, information boards, the built environment, street decoration/signage, printed texts and art. A deeper understanding of the contribution of marine fisheries, especially the inshore small-scale sector, to sense of place will be important for decision-makers in reforming fisheries policy and the regeneration of coastal towns