Contrasts and challenges of artisanal fishing in Michoacan lake regions

Abstract

In Mexico, policies are implemented in marine and continental waters, considered common goods, to regulate and manage fishing resources. In this regard, various regulations are implemented in lakes. This article aims to highlight the contrasts between the fishing policy regulations and what was identified in three lake regions of Michoacán. The fishing policy and open data information review from CONAPESCA for the study regions was carried out. Also, between 2018 and 2019, 687 surveys were applied to fishermen and women from Michoacán in the lakes of Patzcuaro, Cuitzeo, and Chapala; between 2018 and 2020, officials and heads of cooperatives were interviewed.
The results indicate that fishing resources are for self-consumption and sale; they account for the coexistence between fishermen with and without fishing licenses and show the diversity of fisheries and fishing gear. The larger the lake, the greater the number of motorized vessels and the more incentives for users. Official statistics provide an overview of this activity in the information lakes broken down by the office. The economic contribution of inland fishing is not fully reflected in official statistics, as there is no record of unregulated catch. Shared management is considered an alternative to promote sustainability and the equitable use of resources and recognize and value local knowledge and experiences.