This project described and analysed ‘transformation’ processes in the fishing industry between 1994 and 2002. Fieldwork was done in four coastal fishing communities: Elands Bay, Hout Bay, Mossel Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay. Interviews with major actors in the local fishing industry focused on implementation of the new fisheries policy. The research was action-orientated, using workshops and community meetings to convey information on policy back to local community members, placing them in a better position to evaluate their options. See Occasional paper no. 18 and Commons southern Africa occasional paper no. 5.