Spatializing livelihoods in the blue economy: enduring practices and ruptures

Keywords: Livelihoods, space, access
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 70

Abstract

Recent shocks such as Covid-19 and the Wakashio oil spill have tremendously impacted coastal communities dependent on tourism and fishing in the small island of Mauritius. Drawing on 52 semi-structured interviews and a survey of 350 fishers and boat operators conducted in five coastal communities along the South-East of the island, this research explores how processes at different spatial and temporal scales have altered the way coastal space and livelihoods are co-constructed. Findings from this research show how the inshore lagoon continues to provide a space that coastal residents – registered fishers, unregistered fishers, women and youth - turn to in order to make ends meet despite dwindling resources, reduced access and policies which encourage offshore fishing. However, recent shocks have had uneven effects on livelihood strategies and outcomes based on gender, fishing license status and geographic location. Although recent shocks have affected all resource users to varying levels, women who glean for shellfish in the intertidal zone, in contrast, have been the most affected: they reported high mortality of shellfish due to oil residues even after cleanup and were left with no compensation. Lack of alternative, secure and stable employment was repeatedly mentioned, while those identifying as Creole found that their opportunities for employment in the public and private sectors were limited and were most likely to identify the ocean as the only source of livelihood because of racial injustices.