Subsistence fishing patterns near food deserts

Area of Science:

• Marine and Aquatic Sciences
• Sociology
• Environmental Management

Background:

• Subsistence fishing is vital for waterfront communities but poorly understood in the US.
• Its contributions to public health and cultural practices warrant further investigation.
• Understanding subsistence fishing is key for effective resource management and community support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a multivariable construct for classifying subsistence vs. nonsubsistence fishers.
• To identify key predictors of subsistence fishing participation.
• To examine differences in fishing motivations, behaviors, and community sharing among fishers.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a multivariable classification tool.
• Analysis of predictor variables for subsistence fishing.
• Comparative analysis of fishing motivations, behaviors, and fish sharing networks.

Main Results:

• Lower household income emerged as the strongest predictor of subsistence fishing among shore-based fishers in coastal Alabama.
• Subsistence fishers exhibited broader fishing motivations and targeted specific fish groups.
• Subsistence fishers demonstrated higher catch efficiency and more frequent fish sharing within social networks.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a framework for integrating subsistence fisheries into management strategies.
• Addressing barriers and opportunities for shore-based subsistence fishing is crucial for coastal Alabama.
• Place-based evidence is essential for informed fisheries management and community well-being.