Final answer:
Orlove ascertained the viability of fishing by examining the profitability and economic benefits it provided to the community, which aligns with evaluating the economic returns from fishing activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Orlove determined that fishing was a viable livelihood and made good economic sense by evaluating the economic returns and profits generated by fishing (Option C). This assesses the direct impact on the community's income and focuses on the financial viability of fishing as an occupation. The traditional economic activities in the islands included fishing and agriculture, with trade established between islands for resource exchange. Government regulations on fishing aim to ensure sustainability by preventing overfishing and ensuring that future generations can also have access to fish as a resource for food and income. In this context, some governments have considered implementing a price floor to support the income of fishermen, thereby preserving their way of life and traditional economic activities, which also reflects the consideration of social benefits in making economic decisions.