Final answer:
Fishermen became wealthy by engaging in commercial fishing, which allowed them to trade surplus catches and accumulate wealth as society allowed specialization and market development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fishermen were able to change from the poorest to the wealthiest villagers Through successful engagement in commercial fishing. Over time, with the rise of agriculture and specialization, some individuals shifted from subsistence practices to more lucrative commercial activities. By engaging in commercial fishing, fishermen could capture a surplus beyond their own needs, which enabled them to trade and amass wealth. As societal roles diversified, new jobs and markets emerged, fostering economic development. Successful fishermen could thus rise in economic stature, transitioning from struggling villagers to prosperous members of their community.
Other policies to support small fishing villages might include providing subsidies for modernizing fishing equipment, investing in sustainable fishing practices to safeguard future stocks, creating cooperatives to enable collective bargaining, and offering education and training to improve business and fishing skills.