Social Networks and the Live Reef Food Fish Trade: Examining Sustainability

Abstract

This research offers a new perspective in examining sustainability by understanding and examining the social networks. By examining social networks it is possible to identify different interactions among agents that characterise various interests. In the reef fishery case, it is identified that the social networks attached to the resources (fishing networks) are more characterised by socioeconomic interests, where self-esteem and social prestige are present and influential. On the other hand, the social networks attached to fish marketing are more characterised by profit maximisation, and the social networks attached to the policy and administrative aspect are characterised by maximising additional income through corruption. The interplay of socioeconomic interests, profit maximisation and maximising additional income have been the foundation of the LRFF fishing and trade. It gives new insights on how to promote sustainability in fisheries better through understanding the diversity of social networks.