Abstract

This ethnographic analysis examined cultural and environmental relationships among fishermen living in Narli (Erdek/Balikesir) Village, Turkey, and explored, within the scope of <i>cultural ecology,</i> how they have adapted to their environment through cultural mechanisms according to the nature of the environment and in relation to society’s socio-cultural structure and requirements. The research further examined the effects of the sea-centered ecosystem on cultural patterns and perceptions of the environment. An objective assessment of the data collected via semi-structured questions that paralleled the study objectives revealed that fishermen, completing a complex and a wearisome job, made environmental adaptations proportional to the structure, requirements, and technology of society. In addition, it has also been found that the relationships of fishermen with their families were rather warm and sincere, with the observation that they tried to think life with all aspects. It has also been found that the fishermen made some rituals and performed some prayers in order to get positive results from the fish hunt. This paper discusses these findings according to the <i>Cultural Ecology</i> approach.