Social Networks and Supply Chain Management in Fish Trade

Abstract

This study aims to construct a theoretical framework to analyze the elements of the network structure and the relationship system within the seafood supply chain. The scope of the investigation is to evaluate how these elements influence the flow of products and the efficiency of the seafood supply chain and why these social interactions can create value and enhance competitive advantage. The model combines the resource- and knowledge-based view and the social network analysis applied to seafood supply chains. To demonstrate the application of the model, two theoretical examples and a real case study of the Mercado del Mar in Guadalajara, Mexico, are used. Primary data are obtained from semi-structured interviews, social network analysis metrics, and qualitative analysis. Findings are based on the analysis of theoretical examples and must be considered with caution. Nevertheless, the observations in the examples and case study provide new arguments to the relationship between the pattern of interrelationship and the efficiency of a supply chain. This study emphasizes the necessity of combining quantitative and qualitative analyses to understand and explain real-life supply networks.

Fish provision in a changing environment: The buffering effect of regional trade networks

“…In other respects, a common way to deal with oversupply (and avoid waste) is to select new buyers through more temporal (or weak) trade relationships [ 18 ], which are also observed in Baja California Sur ([ 15 ]; S2 Appendix ). The strategy of maintaining both committed or stable relationships and sporadic relationships (i.e., both strong and weak ties) may play an important role in providing flexibility in the supply chain [ 18 , 71 , 75 ], and therefore contribute to the stability of fish provision.…”

“…In other respects, a common way to deal with oversupply (and avoid waste) is to select new buyers through more temporal (or weak) trade relationships [ 18 ], which are also observed in Baja California Sur ([ 15 ]; S2 Appendix ). The strategy of maintaining both committed or stable relationships and sporadic relationships (i.e., both strong and weak ties) may play an important role in providing flexibility in the supply chain [ 18 , 71 , 75 ], and therefore contribute to the stability of fish provision. These processes are not considered in this study, but future model extensions may better capture differential and more adaptive requests between trading partners, and more adaptive behaviour in choosing who to trade with, which are indicated by empirical data.…”

“…Trade relationships in SSF commonly take place in local and regional networks of traders [ 15 , 18 – 20 ], where trade is embedded in networks of social relationships [ 21 ]. Thus trade relationships in SSF are often interlinked with other social processes and relationships such as kinship, assistance, or informal institutions [ 20 , 22 ].…”

Blockchain Adoption Factors, Enablers, and Barriers in Fisheries Supply Chain: Preliminary Findings from a Systematic Literature Review

“…The pace of technological innovation and change has necessitated the speedy adoption of information communication technologies as a crucial goal for firms. The fisheries industry can be characterised by its complexity, primarily because of the number of products, processes, individuals, and organisations that constitutes its make-up [35]. For example, Ireland's fishing fleet is segmented around five key areas: refrigerated seawater pelagic segment, e.g.…”

“…The industry is primarily made-up of whitefish, pelagic, and shellfish operators, with whitefish, shellfish, and smoked salmon processors dominating [37, p. 119]. This complexity has been driven by the globalisation, distribution, and consumption patterns of food production [35], [38]. To address supply chain complexity, a number of solutions have been proposed, e.g.…”