The History of Fishery in Boka Kotorska Bay and Traditional Types of Fishery

Abstract

Among oldest occupations that the local population in the Boka Kotorska Bay has been engaged in, since the ancient times, is sea fishing, but despite the fact that it has centuries’ old tradition in this region, there are very few written records on the history and tradition of fishery in the Boka Bay. This paper provides an overview of the basic fishery types in the Bay over the past centuries, describes the boats and fishing gears used in those times, but also today, as well as the manner of use of certain fishing gear types. It gives also an overview of historical development and changes in some fishing gears over the time as well as changes in socio-economic and social relations in fishery. Apart from its economic significance, the fishing with traditional gear in the Boka Kotorska Bay also has a strong culturological and sociological importance for the local population and as such, it should be preserved and protected at the times of industrialization and development of the coastal area. Activities aimed to preserve the traditional fishery types in the Boka Kotorska Bay should also be implemented in order to diversify further the tourist offer of Montenegro since, in addition to provision of fresh, wholesome food from the sea the use of traditional gear is also a tourist attraction.