IMPACTS OF ENSO ON SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES CATCH IN GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

Abstract

Climatic shocks impact fisheries and the livelihoods of millions of people. Fishermen have various strategies to respond to shocks such as switching target species or engaging in alternative income activities. However, it is unclear how biodiversity in fisheries mitigates impacts to fishermen’s revenues. To answer this question, we focused on small-scale fisheries in the Gulf of California (GoC) in this study and examined how species diversity in fisheries may mitigate the impact of El Nino South Oscillation (ENSO) events. We hypothesized that species with different life histories would respond to ENSO differently in terms of direction and magnitude and that this would result in different impacts on biomass and associated catches. As result, we expect that fisheries targeting species whose responses towards ENSO are more heterogeneous will have more stable total catch and revenue. To test this hypothesis we used detailed fisheries catch and price data (2001- 2010) from government fishing offices in the GoC. The results of this research help shed light on the role of biodiversity conservation in supporting fisheries and human well-being.