Hunters, Seamen, and Entrepreneurs - by Michael K Orbach (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Hunters, Seamen, and Entrepreneurs: The Tuna Seinermen of San Diego is an ethnographic exploration of the lives, work, and cultural systems of the high-seas tuna fishermen from San Diego, California. This book delves into their occupation, their experiences at sea, and the communities they inhabit ashore, with a focus on the Portuguese and Italian immigrant groups that have driven the development of the industry. Through the lens of participant observation, the author examines the intricate relationship between the fishermen's occupational culture and their tightly-knit ethnic and residential communities. The study highlights the historical evolution of the tuna fleet, the technological innovations that transformed it, and the socio-economic challenges the fishermen face, including regulatory pressures, environmental concerns, and competition from international fleets.

The narrative goes beyond a simple account of fishing practices to present a nuanced depiction of the interplay between cultural systems at sea and on land. It reveals how the fishermen's shared experiences foster a unique sense of community and resilience. The book also touches on the broader implications of globalized industries, from the mechanics of tuna seining to the political and environmental dynamics that shape this way of life. By drawing on two years of fieldwork as both participant and observer, the author provides an in-depth view of the fishermen's perspectives, challenges, and adaptations within a complex and rapidly changing industry.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1977.