A Characterization of the Shark Fisheries in Campeche, Mexico

Abstract

Since the early 1990s, shark landings in the Mexican state of Campeche have declined drastically, mirroring an overall decrease in shark populations across the Gulf of Mexico. Historically, most research on the Campeche shark fisheries has focused on assessing the health of shark populations, with little emphasis placed on understanding the human dimension of these artisanal fisheries. This study begins to fill that knowledge gap through participant observation and informal interviews with fishery participants. Results clarify the organizational structure and the rules-in-use of the fisheries, as well as the attitudes of fishery participants towards government regulations. The characterization will ultimately inform Environmental Defense Fund’s future work to rebuild shark populations in the region.