Title: Understanding the influence of social capital on social sustainability in an Australian trawl fishery

Authors: Vikki Schaffer

Addresses: School of Business, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, 4556, Australia

Abstract: Fisheries are about people as much as they are about biological resources. Social capital, founded on norms, trust, communication and connectedness between people within differing networks and groups, is an important attribute in sustaining fisheries. Robust social capital can support fishery stakeholders during times of challenge and change such as institutional arrangements and economic and resource fluctuations. This study reveals that low levels of social capital may inhibit social sustainability.

Keywords: social sustainability; social capital; fisheries management; Australia; trawl fishing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSD.2016.073668

International Journal of Sustainable Development, 2016 Vol.19 No.1, pp.36 - 53

Received: 11 Aug 2014
Accepted: 09 Apr 2015
Published online: 15 Dec 2015 *

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