A Socio-Demographic Assessment Of Commercial Reef Fishermen In The South Atlantic

Kim Iverson
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, One Southpark Circle, Suite 306, Charleston, SC, 29407, 843/ 571-4366, FAX 843/769-4520; kim.iverson@noaa.gov

Ray Rhodes
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29464, 843/ 762-5040, FAX 843/762-5001; rhodesr@mrd.dnr.state.sc.us

Resource management and regulatory agencies have historically focused on the biological dimensions of fisheries management, often neglecting the directive of the Magnuson-Stevens Act to address important social dimensions as well. As fishermen and their families incur the impacts of regulations, responsible management practices require an understanding of the social and economic climate of the commercial fishing industry and should acknowledge the perceptions of the industry's professionals. Because there was a lack of up-to-date relevant social and cultural data, this project sought to provide selected socio-demographic data on commercial reef fishermen needed in supporting and evaluating management actions. The research was comprised of two components, qualitative and quantitative. Primary data were collected via focus groups, ethnographic interview, and a self-administered survey mailed to inactive and active commercial reef fishermen in the South Atlantic. This study identifies and documents socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes, and opinions of reef fishermen, and evaluates the social impacts of both current and proposed management options.