Water and Waves: The Rebirth of Coastal Fishing Communities

Abstract

From Hurricanes to oil spills the coastal South copes with the difficulties of depending on the sea for one’s livelihood. Yet, within these communities scattered across the bayous and barrier islands, are engrained food traditions and knowledge emphasizing the importance of the sea and its provision for families and Southern foodways. Yet these communities existence is tenuous due to past tragedies that continue to impact the life of the fishermen and restaurant owners long after the devastation has faded from national headlines. The success of these communities is often dependent on chefs and consumers in major urban areas demanding local or regional products, instead of the cheaper industrial produced alternatives.