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.