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- Title
Management challenges of small-scale fishing communities in a protected reef system of Veracruz, Gulf of Mexico.
- Authors
JIMÉNEZ-BADILLO, L.
- Abstract
Socioeconomic characterisation of fishing activities in the Veracruz Reef System National Park was used to develop a management system which balances the community’s livelihood, and the conservation needs of the protected area. A survey was applied to four sectors of the fishing community: the fishers, fishers’ wives, retailers and local population. The survey determined their perceptions about: (1) fishing as a lifestyle; (2) economic alternatives; (3) perspectives about the future; (4) environment; and (5) knowledge of the National Park as a protected area. Fishers devoted an average of 27 years fishing, investing an average of 12 h per day giving a regular income of 15–20 US$. Most interviewed (60%) were full-time fishers, with fishing the only family income source. Fishers are predominately educated to primary school level (64%).The main problem faced by fishers and the communities were economic opportunities but 89% believed that mariculture could be an alternative income source. There was strong ecological awareness, with 75% aware of the decline in fisheries resource and 62% knowing about the role of protected areas. There was divided opinion about future perspectives. Inefficient organisation and communication between authorities and fishers were identified as obstacles to co-management. Discussion on alternative incomes and a proposal involve fishers in co-management initiatives are presented.
- Subjects
VERACRUZ (Veracruz-Llave, Mexico); FISH management areas; WILDLIFE management areas; PROTECTED areas; SMALL-scale fisheries; SOCIOECONOMICS
- Publication
Fisheries Management & Ecology, 2008, Vol 15, Issue 1, p19
- ISSN
0969-997X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2400.2007.00565.x