Attending to the Rhythms of the Sea, Place and Gendered Cultures in Interviewing Fishers and Fishing Families

Abstract

Researchers have called for more research on the socio-cultural lifeworlds of fishing, but these discussions have yet to filter through to methodological considerations. This chapter draws on ‘in the field’ experiences of using qualitative in-depth interviews with fishers and fishing families. Through discussing the ethical and practical challenges which emerged when interviewing fishers and fishing families—particularly concerned with recruitment, interview emplacements, gendering of fishing lives, social contexts, interviewee-interviewer relations and sensitive topics—the chapter suggests researcher reflexivity is key to deal with these challenges. It highlights the importance of adapting research practices to local contexts and rhythms to truly gain an in-depth understanding of fishing lives.