Modernization of artisanal fishing communities on Andros Island, The Bahamas, as a treadmill of production

Abstract

Globalization and modernization have driven drastic changes in communities dependent on natural resources. Yet the impacts on resources and local well-being vary widely, with positive outcomes often linked to ecological modernization theory and negative outcomes often linked to treadmill of production theory. We contribute to this literature with a qualitative case study of Bahamian fishing communities which underwent rapid modernization during the latter half of the 20th century. We interviewed 31 fishers on Andros Island, ranging from 49 to 90 years in age, about how they experienced modernization. Participants identified consequences of modernization consistent with treadmill of production theory, including economic system restructuring, introduction of new technologies, increased market demand for natural resources, environmental degradation, and a struggle to maintain quality of life. They identified international tourism, market demands for fish, and employment opportunities outside the island as primary drivers of change and expressed both positive and negative attitudes towards the consequences of modernization. Local fishers described modernization as incorporating elements of world systems theory and telecoupling, including 1) the economic expansion of the country's capital and most densely populated city, Nassau, coming at the environmental and economic expense of Andros, and 2) the introduction of diving as a key fishing method based on practices adapted from international tourists. Participant's accounts of modernization were not consistent with ecological modernization theory but may reflect some elements of this theory in the future in association with the rapid expansion of higher education opportunities on Bahamian “family islands.”