Mexico Fishery Research Articles

First Record ofOctopus insularisLeite and Haimovici, 2008 in the Octopus Fishery of a Marine Protected Area in the Gulf of Mexico

The octopus fishery in Mexico is supported by two species, Octopus maya and an Octopus vulgaris-like species that teuthologists have named O. vulgaris type I. The main fishery species off the Yucatan Peninsula is O. maya, whereas the O. vulgaris-like species historically has supported the octopus fishery off the Mexican east coast. Management policies protect this species in the Veracruz Reef System (VRS) in the Gulf of Mexico, where artisanal fisherman catches it; however, specimens of O. vulgaris type I harvested in this reef system share haplotypes with Octopus insularis, and they cluster together in a strongly supported monophyletic clade. The species O. insularis does not belong to the O. vulgaris complex, as it was previously believed; it is related to the American octopuses, O. maya and Octopus mimus. The results indicate that O. insularis is distributed from the Gulf of Mexico to the coastal waters off southern Brazil and imply that the octopus fishery in the VRS is based on a misidentified species.

Comunidades costeras del noroeste mexicano haciendo ciencia

En México la actividad pesquera más significativa es la ribereña o artesanal. La situación actual de la pesca ribereña en México muestra una urgencia por medidas de manejo pesquero participativas. El Programa Marino del Golfo de California (PMGC) creó el Programa de Ciencia Colaborativa (PCC), como mecanismo para integrar el conocimiento y experiencia de pescadores y científicos para entender el estado de los recursos pesqueros comercialmente importantes, implementando técnicas innovadoras que permiten integrar la investigación participativa donde la tecnología y la confianza son componentes clave del proceso. Desde el 2009, las comunidades pesqueras de San Felipe en Baja California, El Golfo de Santa Clara en Sonora, Punta Abreojos, Puerto Adolfo López Mateos, Puerto San Carlos y Puerto Chale en Baja California Sur se han integrado al PCC para comprender el vínculo entre sus pesquerías y los recursos naturales incluyendo el componente espacio – temporal. Hasta ahora contamos con una extensa base de datos para analizar la dinámica pesquera desde una escala regional y por comunidad. El PCC tiene un impacto positivo en el cumplimiento de las metas de conservación, esta metodología tiene un valor incalculable para la investigación y el crecimiento sostenible de las comunidades. La información generada es objetiva y ha sido incorporada en procesos de toma de decisiones, en los cuales las comunidades y administradores de recursos han expuesto su interés en implementar alternativas de manejo que se adecúen a las necesidades de los usuarios

Morphometric Analysis on Shape Transition during Growth of the Red Snapper (<em>Lutjanus campechanus</em>, Poey, 1860)

The red snapper Lutjanus campechanus (Poey, 1860) has a high commercial value that sustains an important fishery in Mexico. In this study, the patterns in morphological variations from early juvenile to adult stages were assessed by geometric methods (GM) in 194 organisms. Changes in shape were more evident and rapid in the early juvenile stage and decreased during adulthood. The principal components analysis of shape (Relative Warp Analysis, or RWA) identified size and body depth as the main sources of variance associated to both juvenile and adult organisms. The outline of the head and the tail showed the most noticeable differences following the ontogenic pathway visualized by thin-plate splines indicating that the ontogenetic pathway of the upper half and the lower half of the dorsal head profile (DHP) are in relatively opposite directions than those from the tail that bends ventrally. The Two-Block Partial Least Square analysis (2B-PLS) and their CR coefficients showed that the two modules had a moderate linear trend (p = 0.001). Although the blocks have morphological changes at different rates, there is a moderate synchrony in growth by modules. This study is the first to report the use of geometrical morphometry in L. campechanus in Mexico.

Analysis of crab size structure and the fishing effort applied to a crab fishery in northwest Mexico

The fishing effort of a Sinaloa crab fishery in the Gulf of California in 2014 was analysed based on fishermen’s interviews, official catches and permits, and information from a sample of fishing logbooks from five fishery cooperatives operating in four coastal lagoons that contained the daily catch from individual fishing trips. Unauthorized gear, a double-ring net (DR), was used most frequently (>70% of the fishers) for crab fishing, although authorized single-ring nets and Chesapeake traps (CT) were also used with low frequency. The estimated fishing effort was 641 boats/day in the four coastal lagoons, which was 34% more than authorized, and 818 boats/day were employed in all of Sinaloa. A total of 57 479 fishing gears were estimated for the study area, which was 49.9% greater than the maximum authorized number, and 80 822 nominal fishing gears were estimated for the entire Sinaloa crab fishery, 14.15% more than the total gear limit (70 800). The size of the mesh used in the gear was smaller than the authorized limit of 76 mm, and >50% of the catches included crabs of unlawful size. It is argued that the effort must be regulated in terms of the number of vessels, per unit time, and not the number of gears. The information from this study demonstrates a failure to monitor compliance with current regulations and thus means that other strategies for the sustainable management of the fishery, such as co-management, should be tested.

Observations of spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) in the Mexican Caribbean using photo-ID

The spotted eagle ray is an iconic species for the recreational diving and snorkeling industry in the Mexican Caribbean although it is heavily fished in nearby waters of the southern Gulf of Mexico and in Cuba. This species is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as ‘Near Threatened’ with a decreasing population trend. Few studies have reported on the populations and migrations of spotted eagle rays in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, and no regulations currently exist for the fishery or tourism industries in Mexico. Photographic identification techniques were used to produce the first photo-ID catalog of spotted eagle rays in the Mexican Caribbean using 1096 photographs submitted by researchers and divers between 2003 and 2016. In total, 282 individual spotted eagle rays were identified through photographs at nine sites across the Mexican Caribbean. Of these individuals, 14.9% were resighted at least once at the same site. The longest period between re-sighting events was 342 days. This is the first study evaluating free-swimming spotted eagle rays in the Mexican Caribbean and highlights the value of using photo-ID for monitoring populations of this ray. Because a targeted subsistence fishery for spotted eagle rays exists in nearby waters, management efforts to monitor and prevent overexploitation at key diving locations should be a priority for local government agencies.

Integrating Science-Based Co-management, Partnerships, Participatory Processes and Stewardship Incentives to Improve the Performance of Small-Scale Fisheries

Small scale fisheries are critically important for the provision of food security, livelihoods, and economic development for billions of people. Yet, most of these fisheries appear to not be achieving either fisheries or conservation goals, with respect to creating healthier oceans that support more fish, feed more people and improve livelihoods. Research and practical experience have elucidated many insights into how to improve the performance of small-scale fisheries. Here, we present lessons learned from five case studies of small-scale fisheries in Cuba, Mexico, the Philippines, and Belize. The major lessons that arise from these cases are: 1) participatory processes empower fishers, increase compliance, and support integration of local and scientific knowledge; 2) partnership across sectors improves communication and community buy-in; 3) scientific analysis can lead fishery reform and be directly applicable to co-management structures. These case studies suggest that a fully integrated approach that implements a participatory process to generate a scientific basis for fishery management (e.g., data collection, analysis, design) and to design management measures among stakeholders will increase the probability that small-scale fisheries will implement science-based management and improve their performance.

Effect of cooking on physicochemical and structural properties of jumbo squid ( Dosidicus gigas ) muscle

Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) is an important commercialized fishery in Mexico; however, during its post-catch processing, several physicochemical changes occur in flesh, which could result in texture modifications. In this research, changes in water-holding capacity, protein solubility (PS), firmness, fibrils microstructure, and color of squid muscle (mantle, fins, and arms) during cooking (30 min at 100 °C) were evaluated. Throughout cooking were exhibited different shrinkage and weight loss behavior among three anatomical regions (p < .05). After cooking, PS of muscle from fins and arms remained similar, meanwhile, mantle muscle PS decreased 75%. Shear force (SF) magnitude order (p < .05) registered in fresh muscle was fins > arms > mantle, whereas at ending cooking, mantle muscle required the lowest SF. Microscopic analysis revealed a major quantity of collagen fibers in fins and arm muscle suggesting its possible relation to their hardness, in both fresh and cooked state. Practical applications Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) is an important marine resource in Mexico and many Asiatic and European countries. Its muscle (fins, arms, and mantle) edible items are commercialized and consumed in fresh, brined, and cooked presentations. Squid muscle protein structures (fibril and stromal) are organized different than fish as well as beef, pork and poultry; therefore its textural, physicochemical and sensorial (quality parameters) changes induced by cooking are distinctive. Squid meat acceptance by consumers is related mainly by texture than the taste or color attributes. Therefore, from economic point of view of domestic and large-scale markets, the establishment of best cooking conditions of squid became essential.

Reconstructing 290 years of a data‐poor fishery through ethnographic and archival research: The East Pacific green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Baja California, Mexico

AbstractEvaluating historical changes in the exploitation of marine organisms is a key challenge in fisheries ecology and marine conservation. In the Eastern Pacific, marine turtles were exploited for millennia before systematic monitoring began &lt;50 years ago. Using ethnographic and historical data, we generated a detailed reconstruction of the East Pacific green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) fishery in Mexico's Baja California peninsula from 1700 to 1990. Sea turtles from the region's important feeding areas were a staple food source from the earliest phases of human occupation, dating back at least 12,000 years. In contrast with regions such as the Caribbean, small human populations and limited market access resulted in apparently sustainable turtle harvests until the second half of the 20th century. We found that the estimated annual catches between 1960 and 1980 exceeded the estimated annual catches of the previous 250 years by an order of magnitude, leading to the collapse of the fishery and the depletion of the green turtle population. A total ban on sea turtle captures in 1990, comprehensive nesting beach protection, and significant conservation efforts resulted in increases in breeding females on nesting beaches and catch rates in scientific monitoring on main feeding grounds since the early 2000s. This provides a positive outlook for this once‐depleted population segment. Although further research is needed to evaluate current conservation status, we have identified a date, between 1950 and 1960, which can serve as a reliable temporal reference for future evaluations of historical baseline abundance in this region.

Growth Opportunities for Artisanal Fisheries in Mexico

Growth Opportunities for Artisanal Fisheries in Mexico

Trophic ecology of the blotched stingray, Urotrygon chilensis (Elasmobranchii: Myliobatiformes: Urotrygonidae), in three areas of the Mexican Pacific

Background. There is a current global consensus that to achieve a sustainable use of fisheries resources, management of every organism subject to exploitation is required rather than only those targeted directly by the fisheries. Further understanding the feeding habits of the species in the ecosystem as well as the predator&ndash;prey relationships and their trophic levels is crucial. Batoids occupy an important ecological niche as benthic predators in estuaries and bays. There is no directed fishery for the blotched stingray, Urotrygon chilensis (G&uuml;nther, 1872), but it is commonly caught incidentally by trawl and bottom gillnets fisheries subsequently diminishing its population. Recently, artisanal fisheries in Mexico have become focused on batoid species due to the depletion of shark catches, although there are few studies on its biology and ecology. Materials and methods. We analysed the trophic ecology of the blotched stingray in two main areas from the Mexican Central Pacific to understand the species&rsquo; diet and detect possible differences throughout fishing areas using stomach content analysis. We analysed the overlap in diets between areas and the trophic level at each area. Results. We analysed 423 specimens and found 15 prey groups. Representatives of the two crustacean higher taxa&mdash;Cladocera and Peracarida were the most important food items in the north area, while the crustacean family Penaeidae was the most important in the south area, having no significant overlap between areas (C&lambda; = 0.33). The estimated trophic position for the blotched stingray was 3.51&ndash;3.56 in both areas, and according to the Levin&rsquo;s index, the range of the trophic niche breadth for the blotched stingray was 0.059 and 0.039, which indicates that it is a specialist predator. Conclusion. The blotched stingray is a specialist predator that can adapt to different prey depending on which organisms are present in the ecosystem. It is necessary to continue with these types of studies for the other species inhabiting the area, in addition to monitoring fisheries landings, fishing effort, and variations in biotic and abiotic factors in the area over a long period. However, this study outlines an approach for reaching the ultimate goal of sustainable exploitation of marine resources on an ecosystem level.

Use of the productivity and susceptibility analysis and a rapid management-risk assessment to evaluate the vulnerability of sharks caught off the west coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico

Quantitative assessments of shark populations are difficult to undertake due to the scarcity of studies focusing on species identification and landings. We used the productivity and susceptibility analysis and a rapid management-risk assessment (M-risk) method to examine the impact of the artisanal fishery on 29 shark species captured and landed off the west coast of Baja California Sur. We also examined the regulatory measures currently applied to shark fisheries in Mexico to assess their efficacy in mitigating the impact on fishing mortality. Twenty-eight species had low productivity; only Mustelus californicus was placed in the moderate productivity category. Seventeen species had high susceptibility while 12 were placed in the moderate category. Twenty species were placed in the high vulnerability category, and nine in the moderate category. The five most vulnerable species were Sphyrna zygaena, Squatina californica, Heterodontus francisci, Isurus oxyrinchus, and Carcharhinus falciformis. The management-risk is high for all species; artisanal fisheries have a significant impact particularly on coastal shark species, which can be very sensitive to overfishing as well as large species that use the coastal area during the early stages of their development. Research priorities should include studies assessing the elasticity and demographic aspects of S. zygaena and I. oxyrinchus. Squatina californica and T. semifasciata require urgent attention due to the risk of extirpation. New regulations and improvements to existing legislation in Mexico may have a positive impact in shark populations, which can be examined in future assessments.

The social cost of fishery subsidy reforms

This paper analyzes the impact of reducing fisheries subsidies in a general equilibrium model for a fishery with heterogeneous vessels. It considers the impact of the stock effect, which determines the participation of vessels in a likely increased stock abundance. In equilibrium, the productivity of the fleet is endogenous as it depends on the stock of fish along the equilibrium path. The model concludes that any impact of a subsidy drop will depend on the stock effect. If that effect is large, fishing firms will benefit from the stock recovery and the elimination of the subsidy will increase future returns on investment. The model is particularised to industrial shrimp fisheries in Mexico. It is shown that the complete elimination of a subsidy increases biomass, capitalisation, marginal productivity, and consumption and reduces inequality when the effect of the induced increase in the stock is considered. However, if that effect is not considered, capital and consumption decrease, and inequality and hence, the social costs of a subsidy drop, increase.

Effect of pulsed ultrasound on the physicochemical characteristics and emulsifying properties of squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle proteins

Food technologists are always looking to improve the functional properties of proteins. In this sense, in last years ultrasound has been used to improve some functional properties. For this reason, and considering that jumbo squid is an important fishery in northwest Mexico, the purpose of this research was to determine the effect of pulsed ultrasound on the physicochemical characteristics and emulsifying properties of squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle proteins. Pulsed ultrasound (20kHz, 20, and 40% amplitude) was applied for 30, 60, and 90s to a protein extract prepared from giant squid mantle causing an increase (p<0.05) in surface hydrophobicity (So) from 108.4±1.4 to 239.1±2.4 after application of pulsed ultrasound at 40% of amplitude for 90s. The electrophoretic profile and the total and reactive sulfhydryl contents were not affected (p⩾0.05) by the ultrasound treatment. The emulsifying ability of the protein solution was improved (p<0.05), whereas the Emulsifier Activity Index (EAI) varied from123.67±5.52m2/g for the control and increased up to 217.7±3.8m2/g after application of the ultrasound. The Stability Emulsifier Index (EEI) was improved at 40% of amplitude by 60 and 90s. The results suggested that pulsed ultrasound used as pretreatment induced conformational changes in giant squid proteins, which improved the interfacial association between protein-oil phases, thus contributing to the improvement of their emulsifient properties.

Eco-Label Certification: A Case Study of the Campeche Shrimp Fishery, Mexico

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) eco—label certifies that seafood comes from a sustainable source. The use of this eco—label lags behind in the developing world, where ecosystem approaches to fishery management have not yet been widely implemented. However, the Food and Agriculture Organization under its REBYC—II LAC project is addressing ecosystem concerns within the shrimp trawl fisheries of a number of developing countries in Latin America and the Caribbean by helping them to improve management of the negative ecosystem impacts by modifying their gear to reduce by—catch and habitat damage. This study investigates how the potential improvements identified by the REBYC—II LAC project will help in satisfying the requirements for obtaining an MSC certification in the Campeche shrimp fishery in Mexico. The feasibility and desirability of obtaining an MSC certification in this fishery was assessed by interviewing managers, fishers, processors, and other relevant stakeholders of the fishery. By comparing the MSC certification requirements with the current conditions of the Campeche shrimp fishery, this paper shows that the fishery is currently not certifiable. Although the REBYC—II LAC project could represent a significant step towards the potential certification of the fishery, further actions will need to be implemented by the Mexican management authorities and private sector, if certification is sought. This paper should help guide the Campeche shrimp industry and fishery managers towards the necessary steps for achieving sustainability.

Intended and unintended outcomes in fisheries learning exchanges: Lessons from Mexico and Madagascar

Fisheries learning exchanges (FLEs) bring together fisher communities to exchange knowledge and experiences, with the goal of building social capital and disseminating management techniques. In 2015 two groups of octopus fishers from Bahia de los Angeles, Mexico and Sarodrano, Madagascar travelled to Andavadoaka, southwest Madagascar to learn about the temporary fishing closures for octopus used in the region. Octopus fisheries in Madagascar and Mexico differ in several respects, particularly harvesting techniques. The FLE was qualitatively evaluated through participant observation and semi-structured key informant (KI) interviews. Thirty before-and-after interviews were carried out with 16 KIs including visitors, hosts and organisers. Informants suggested that holding the FLE at the same time as the closure openings allowed for learning benefits but carried an important opportunity cost for organisers and host participants, and that shortcomings of planning and translation capacity limited learning opportunities. Several KIs were concerned about the applicability of the Malagasy management model to the Mexican context concerned, and the FLE may have had unforeseen consequences since Malagasy fishers were excited to learn a new fishing method (trapping) from the visitors: if effective, trapping could negatively impact Malagasy octopus stocks. The exchange of knowledge in the FLE was primarily one-way, from host to visitor, and most organisers did not view themselves as participants. Recommendations to improve the effectiveness of future FLEs include: (i) improving facilitation and translation capacity to promote dialogue, (ii) focusing on key messages, (iii) selecting appropriate participants and (iv) recruiting a specialist to organise and lead exchanges.

Stock Complexes for Fisheries Management in the Gulf of Mexico

AbstractThe Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 2006 required that regional fishery management councils implement annual catch limits and accountability measures for all federally managed stocks by 2011. Many managed species are data limited and no formal stock assessment has been done for them. One possible approach to managing unassessed species is to assign them to assemblages that are managed as units. The utility of this approach was evaluated using fishery‐dependent and fishery‐independent data from the Gulf of Mexico. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed several consistent assemblages among the 42 reef fish species managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Pearson correlation matrices, nodal analyses, and a weighted mean cluster association index integrated results across cluster analyses and provided additional guidance regarding the placement of rare species into groups. Productivity–susceptibility analysis and life history were also considered, as differences in productivity, vulnerability, life history, and other population‐dynamic parameters for the species within complexes might imply different population responses to a similar change in fishing mortality. Identified linkages between species also provide guidance for the impacts of regulations on multispecies fisheries.Received December 31, 2014; accepted February 18, 2015

Proyección de cambios en la temperatura superficial del mar del Golfo de California y efectos sobre la abundancia y distribución de especies arrecifales

The Gulf of California is important because of its high biodiversity and because it is a key area for artisanal fisheries in Mexico. There are current concerns regarding threats to the Gulf, such as global warming, that have caused major changes in marine communities. Consequently, the aim of this study was to estimate the possible impact of increasing ocean temperature on key species. Potential effects of such increase on reef species are thus estimated in this paper. In order to prepare this estimate, sea surface temperature (SST) was obtained from the NOAA database, and a temperature change trend model was constructed. Biological data was obtained from visual censuses of six regions within the Gulf between 2005 and 2007. A stepwise linear model was used to forecast potential changes in species abundance and distribution. It is estimated that by 2050 average temperature will increase 0.63°C, causing abundance of species of economic value to significantly decrease south of 25° N. Finally, the response of the 20 most abundant fish species in the Gulf was modeled to estimate changes at community structure level. The simulation shows an imbalance in the function and structure of assemblages. Clearly, increasing sea temperature will bring an imbalance in the composition and the ecological function of the reef systems gradually changing the relative abundances of species. Therefore, the implementation of effective monitoring programs of communities would be an essential tool to detect future effects of global warming.

Spatial and Dietary Overlap Creates Potential for Competition between Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and Vermilion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens)

Understanding the complex nature of direct and indirect species interactions is a critical precursor to successful resource management. In the northern Gulf of Mexico fisheries ecosystem, red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and vermilion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) are two commercially harvested species within a larger reef fish complex. These two species share similar habitats and diets; however, little is known about how these species partition habitat and dietary resources. In this study we examined the extent of spatial and dietary overlap between red snapper and vermilion snapper, and experimentally compared their feeding behavior. Field data from multiple gear types demonstrates that red snapper and vermilion snapper frequently cohabited reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and Pianka’s niche overlap indices suggest significantly overlapping diets. Experimental manipulations show that red snapper are the dominant forager of the two species, as red snapper foraging alone ate more shrimp per fish than vermilion snapper in both the single species (p = 0.003) and mixed species (p = 0.02) treatments. In addition, red snapper ate significantly more shrimp per fish in the mixed species treatment than in the single species treatment (p = 0.04). Vermilion snapper shrimp consumption per fish did not differ significantly between mixed and single species treatments. Cumulatively, our results suggest that spatial and dietary overlap could lead to competition between red and vermilion snapper in the study area; however, conclusively determining the existence of such competition would require further research.

An overview of the tarpon genetic recapture study in Florida – a citizen science success story

The tarpon Genetic Recapture Study started in an effort to determine how often a tarpon is caught and released in Florida’s growing and lucrative fishery by using DNA fingerprinting techniques as a tool to identify and track individual tarpon. Previous research on central and southwest Gulf of Mexico fisheries showed that most tarpon can survive short-term catch-and-release fishing practices. However, fishing pressure is intense during peak season, and tarpon fishing varies in time and space throughout the state. In this study, a novel method of obtaining fish tissue replaced traditional fin clipping, and citizen-scientists were utilized to collect DNA samples and record capture information from tarpon they caught. Benefits of using citizen scientists included being able to sample fish statewide and collect data on a species that is difficult to catch in great number. From the pilot study in 2005 through the study’s end in 2014, 24,572 samples were received from volunteer anglers throughout the coastal southeastern United States, and of those, 22,992 were collected from tarpon caught in Florida waters. tarpon samples were returned from fish caught along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts and Florida Keys, but regionally the database was depauperate in samples from north Florida. Public outreach was a critical and integral component of study promotion and angler involvement. Future work based on recapture data will provide information needed to estimate recapture rates, evaluate seasonal and regional movement patterns, determine site fidelity, establish connectivity of tarpon in Florida waters and over the long-term could determine if juvenile tarpon sampled within Florida nursery habitats supply the adult fishery.

The Punta Allen cooperative as an emblematic example of a sustainable small-scale fishery in the Mexican Caribbean

AbstractWe present an institutional ethnography and historical case study of the Vigía Chico fishing cooperative, located in the community of Punta Allen within the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an, México. The top producer of spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) in the state of Quintana Roo for over 30 years, this cooperative has been claimed as an example of a sustainable artisanal fishery. To better understand and assess this success story, we performed an in-depth study of multiple factors to analyze their influence on the cooperative’s success. The indicators selected were level and form of social organization, resilience to socio-environmental perturbations, changes in fishing gear, and the fishing concession as avenue to cementing institutional success. We conducted ethnographic fieldwork over five months, complemented by an in-depth analysis of the cooperative assembly’s minutes. We found that the knowledge the cooperative acquired of the functioning of Mexican public policies was a factor in their success. Cooperative leaders were able to translate that knowledge in ways that benefitted the cooperative, enabling them to build a set of policy-responsive operational rules that could be effectively applied to artisanal fisheries more broadly. The isolated conditions of the area and the presence of natural perturbations such as hurricanes forced the community to increase their willingness to cooperate, and improved their capacity to respond as a group to perturbations. These successes in turn demonstrated the value of cooperative approaches to achieve individual and collective livelihood goals, within and beyond fishing. Such approaches have been further enhanced by the incorporation of academic knowledge and scientific techniques. We conclude that Punta Allen is a successful example of a community that has managed to creatively engage public policy instruments and translate them into effective local practices, enabling organizational persistence despite repeated changes in policies governing fisheries in Mexico.