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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I acknowledge with respect the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional

owners and custodians of the land where much of my study and writing of this thesis took
place.

My heartfelt thanks to my research participants in Italy and Australia, who
contributed to this thesis by sharing their stories, knowledge and concerns about tuna. I

express my gratitude to the tonnara owners and crew in San Pietro and the community of

Favignana that warmly welcomed me. I would particularly like to mention Giuliano Greco
who shared his family history and patiently responded to numerous questions. A special

thanks to rais Luigi Biggio and the tonnarotti for their generosity, expertise and delicious
lunches. I would like to thank Greenpeace (Italy, Australia and Japan) for their time and for

the challenging work they do.

I am deeply grateful to my supervisor Professor Elspeth Probyn. She has been stellar
in so many ways. Her sharp intellect and passion for the subject were inspiring. Her care and

encouragement would arrive at just the right moments. And she pushed me to achieve beyond
my expectations. Much respect and thank you Elspeth. I am also thankful to my auxiliary-

supervisor Associate Professor Kane Race, who went above and beyond his call of duty to

respond to my work in a sharp and timely manner.
The Department of Gender and Cultural Studies has truly enriched my PhD

experience and I feel privileged to be a part of this supportive and fun community. First, I
would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Germon who introduced me to this community. I have learnt

from and been supported by so many and would like to mention: Associate Professor Ruth
Barcan, Professor Meaghan Morris, Professor Catherine Driscoll, Associate Professor Tess

Lea, Dr. Astrida Neimanis, Alifa Bandali, Tim Steins, Paul Priday, Lisa Heinze, Paul Kelita,

Christen Cornell and Sara Tomkins.
Finally, to my dear family and close community of friends. In particular, thanks to

Trevor Brown for his companionship, sharp mind and patience. I am so grateful to Laura
Bronsky for her help with translations. Thank you to my friend Charlotte Epstein for

demonstrating how to be an academic activist. And, most of all to my mother and editor
extraordinaire, Melinda Johnston, who has always encouraged my academic interests, who

patiently proof read my thesis and accompanied me on a few hairy fieldwork trips in Sicily.

Thank you.

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