A POLICY-ORIENTED ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE WINTER BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERY IN BEAUFORT AND MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA

Abstract

In the mid-1990s, sport fishermen from the Outer Banks of North Carolina stumbled upon a winter population of bluefin tuna in the shallow waters near shore. Each winter since then, fishermen have braved icy waters and frigid temperatures to capitalize on this resource. In their quest for a commercial share of the U.S. quota, these local fishermen have shown a unique interest in making their voices heard. They now play a significant role in the data collection and management of bluefin tuna, working side-by-side with scientists and forming a non-profit organization. This MP aims to document the cultural system of these fishermen and incorporate recommendations for more effective bluefin tuna management. In an effort to accomplish this goal I produced a policy-oriented ethnography that characterizes the social, economic and regulatory structure of the sport and commercial bluefin tuna fishery in Beaufort and Morehead City, North Carolina.