1Ecosystem and Sustainability Research Institute (IIES), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), México, 2Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, USA, 3Department of Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island, USA
Small-scale fisheries are vital for coastal communities, and research has been done on how collective action in fishing cooperatives enhances social-ecological outcomes. However, there is a gap in understanding diverse aspects of governance and collaboration in the Mexican mid-Pacific coastal region, one of the least studied areas.
This research examines the institutional organization of fishing cooperatives on the southern coast of Jalisco, identifying weaknesses and proposing solutions to strengthen them. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted 12 in-depth interviews to evaluate 20 aspects of the functionality of eight fishing cooperatives, grouped into six categories: 1) internal regulations and administration, 2) infrastructure, 3) benefits and social responsibilities, 4) economy and commercialization, 5) networking, and 6) transparency and participation.
An opportunity arose to work with the Chamela cooperative to conduct a productive project. Based on a participatory action research approach, it has been possible to examine collective action processes and the collaborative efforts among different stakeholders (NGOs, researchers, entrepreneurs, and governmental agencies) involved in the management of fisheries resources. Through participant observation and focus groups, fishers’ perspectives regarding challenges, their causes, and possible actions to mitigate them were documented.
Results show that internal regulations, administration, transparency, and trust, are crucial for fishing organizations, which acknowledge the need to improve cooperativism. Diverse formal and informal rules exist due to the absence of territorial rights, with some restrictions on fishing gear and areas to respect between cooperatives. The decline in catches attributable to the 2023 El Niño prompted fishers to organize. Our preliminary conclusions are that our work clarified individual desires among participants, facilitating collective action. Also, exploring institutional design and collective action issues requires more than conventional research methods. Additionally, this experience fosters processes that may strengthen cooperation and promote the responsible use of marine resources.
