The concept of fisheries-dependent communities - A comparative analysis of four UK case studies: Shetland, Peterhead, North Shields and Lowestoft

Through case studies of four fisheries-dependent communities on the East Coast of the UK, we examine the concept of 'fisheries-dependence' and what the term 'fisheries-dependent community' might mean. We also explore the various 'coping' strategies deployed by different 'fisheries-dependent communities' in response to the difficulties presently facing the fishing industry. We investigate the relationship between the degree of fisheries dependency as experienced by a community, and the nature and objectives of the coping strategy chosen. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we learn that community constructed coping strategies are tailored to meet the community's specific needs, and so differ, quite markedly, between communities. More surprisingly, we find that even in a community where there is little fisheries-dependency, the coping strategy employed still supports the fishing industry, but as a cultural icon rather than as a going concern. Within such communities, fishing is appreciated and valued for its crucial role in the identity of the community, and it comes to occupy an iconic status. It appears that a 'virtual' fishing industry has succeeded the 'real' fishing industry in these communities. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.