Territoriality in the Grand Manan lobster fishery : a game theory analysis of the selection and use of fishing locations

Abstract

The interactions between members of a human population have long been the subject matter of anthropological studies. Much of the behavior involved in these interactions is learned behavior that is part of the extensive repertoire of suitable responses peculiar to an entire society, or part-society. -- Initially, this thesis, which to some extent employs a technique for purposes of illustration and explanation similar to that of "thick description" (Geertz 1973: 3-30), is concerned with revealing those behavioral responses which are appropriate to the manner in which a group of contemporary inshore lobster fishermen perceive, organize, and manipulate fishing space. -- Following this, the observations of spatial patterning which emerge from this investigation are placed within a more encompassing analytic framework, the Theory of Games. By using this analytic procedure to harness reality, as well as to depict the logic underlying that reality, it is intended that spatial patterning will be viewed as a function, not only of the cultural background of the people being studied, but also of the many relationships, activities, and emotions which develop in those situations characteristic of inshore lobster fishing operations.