Heritage and livelihoods of small-scale fisheries: a case study of Goa’s ramponkar communities in the wake of technological transitions

Naik, Neha and Gills, Reshma and Ramachandran, C and Vipinkumar, V P (2026) Heritage and livelihoods of small-scale fisheries: a case study of Goa’s ramponkar communities in the wake of technological transitions. Maritime Studies, 25. pp. 1-17. ISSN 2212-9790

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Abstract

This paper presents the results of a case study of the ramponkar community, exploring their socio-cultural, historical, and economic dimensions, emphasizing their intricate relationship with Goa’s coastal heritage. The study has employed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to capture the voices of the community, noting their continued dependence on rampon fishing, a practice deeply rooted in tradition and communal cooperation. The investigation traces the historical evolution of this artisanal method, linking it to both the Portuguese colonial legacy and the cultural synthesis that shaped the ramponkar identity. It reveals the multifaceted challenges faced by these communities, from modernization's encroachment on their sustainable practices to the gradual erosion of traditional techniques. While adapting to these conditions, the ramponkars continue to engage with their methods in ways that reflect both change and continuity. The case study points to the need for documentation and examination of such communities, whose practices offer perspectives on human–environment interaction in the context of rapid transformations of coastal landscapes.

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