article

Territorial regulation in the small-scale fisheries of Itoman, Okinawa

Senri ethnological studies (17) • Published In 1984 • Pages: 89-120

By: Akimichi, Tomoya.

Abstract
This is a case study of territorial rights in the small-scale inshore fisheries of the southern Okinawa county of Itoman. Akimichi examines the variables outside of formal regulations that impinge on territorial rights. He focuses on one kind of fishing called AMBUSHI or stake netting. Stake nets are a v-shaped net with a basket at the bottom of the 'v'. Fish are funneled into the basket by the ebb tide. In the past, this type of fishing was the exclusive domain of one descent group (MUNCHU). Ambushi fishermen meet once a year to decide use rights and resolve disputes. Prior claim is honored and ambushi fishermen stake out claims to reserve sites. Nets must not overlap and in some cases fishermen must ask the permission of neighboring fihermen. Yields are unpredictable due to typhoon effects, recovery cycles, spawning season, etc. Akimichi also looks at fixed net fishing, which competes with stake netting.
Subjects
Fishing
Real property
culture
Okinawans
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Asia
Sub Region
East Asia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnographer
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2000
Field Date
1979-1982
Coverage Date
1980-1983
Coverage Place
Itoman, Okinawa, Japan
Notes
Tomoya Akimichi
Includes bibliographical references (p. 116-119)
LCCN
82641261
LCSH
Ryukyuans