Abstract
Ama-divers specialize in the collection of certain varieties of shellfish and seaweed. They have been engaged in diving along the seacoasts of Japan since the Jomon Period. At present, a total of 20, 000 male and female Ama-divers are still engaged in diving. ABU is one village of such Ama-divers.
The object of this paper is to examine the conditions of survival of an Amadiving fishery in ABU. The results obtained are as follows:
1) The fundamental factor in the long-term survival of the Ama-diving fishery is the existence of a suitable submarine topography and inshore currents that provide a habitat for shellfish and seaweed.
2) Since the Meiji Era, the Ama-divers have kept a balance between fish resources and the number of fishermen by the management of fishing grounds. Since 1965, catches of abalone have gradually increased, and the Ama-diving fishery has prospered, because fishermen carried out exhaustive measures to preserve fish resources and construct propagation grounds for abalone larvas.
3) ABU-produced abalones are high in price because they are given the highest ranking in the Osaka central wholesale market. Thus abalone production has a comparative advantage over other fish products in the market, and the Ama-diving fishery has gained an important position in the regional economy.
4) Since Ama-divers are engaged in the diving fishery during the summer, and in pole-line fishing in other seasons, they have been able to work in their village throughout the year, and have not needed to seek employment elsewhere.
