Socioeconomic Aspects for Coastal Mollusk Commercial Fishing in Costa Chica, Guerrero, México

Abstract

An important part of the fishing activity in Mexico is carried out in the coastal strip and has a strong social, economic and ecological importance. In the state of Guerrero, mollusks fishing is coastal and craftwork activity focused on a small number of species and without information on biology and reproductive or ecological aspects for most species caught. This research was carried out in the Costa Chica region, Guerrero, Mexico and the aims were: 1) To analyze the socioeconomic features of cooperative societies of fishing production; and 2) To know the diversity of mollusks caught by coastal fishing and the species that have the greatest importance in fishing. From February to April 2013-2015, seven fish coop units, four piers and places where seafood is sold were visited. For the socioeconomic analysis and the determination of the species that have more importance in the coastal fishing, a total of 67 surveys were applied. In order to determine the cast of species, the specimens captured by the fishermen were used, which were identified and counted. A total of 67 interviews were analyzed and an average of $1806.00 was estimated as weekly economic income just as a product of fishing, it was also estimated that on average the fishermen work 4.3 days a week. Fisheries cooperatives market most of their produce directly to restaurateurs and locals on the piers. Replacement of older adults by young fishermen from the same region was observed, most are adults between 22 and 39 years old. 25 species of mollusks of economic importance were registered for the coastal fishermen of the Costa

Socioeconomic Aspects for Coastal Mollusk Commercial Fishing in Costa Chica, Guerrero, México

“…The populations of these species are the most abundant and/or those with the greatest economic reward to the fishermen: (Striostrea prismatica, Hexaplex princeps, H. radix, H. regius, Lobatus galeatus and Triplofusus prínceps) (Figure 3). Of all the species that are the main objective of capture, only the Striostrea prismatica has regulations implemented by SAGARPA to control their exploitation, in addition to this, there With respect to the age of the fishermen, [1] In relation to the level of schooling education, [1] concluded that most of the fishermen interviewed in Acapulco have completed primary or secondary education. [2] referred to the fishermen of Costa Chica that 75% have not finished and only 22% have completed primary education, they say that the level of school education among fishermen in the region of the Costa Chica is minimal.…”

“…In relation to years of work experience, for Acapulco [1] indicates that most fishermen have between 20 and 30 years of experience as fisherman and as cooperative associates. The present study found that the experience as a fisherman and as a member is very heterogeneous, mainly due to the replacement of adults by young people e member.…”

“…For Costa Chica, [2] indicated that on average a fisherman receives about $858 pesos per week. For Acapulco, [1] reports a weekly income of $908.33 pesos exclusively from fishing. The present study found for the fishermen of Costa Chica a weekly income of $1806 pesos exclusively from fishing.…”

“…The present study indicates that fisheries commercialization in Costa Chica, Guerrero, follows a traditional pattern in which fishermen land their on beaches, separated from each other by considerable distances; In general the landings are of low volume, which implies significant expenses at the time of their movement and transfers to other places, however, Acapulco is the main center for trade of marine mollusk from the Costa Chica fishing. [1] refers that in Acapulco the most profitable fisheries in economic value are:…”

“…A high percentage of the catch comes from coastal fisheries. [1] mentioned that coastal fishermen are those social actors whose main activity is fishing, have smaller boats, equipped with different technological development, and must disembark at their place of origin or any other coastal. The fishing groups have organized themselves into fishing cooperatives, which can contribute to responsible fishing, food security and the eradication of poverty.…”