Artisanal mollusk fisheries in San Matías Gulf (Patagonia Argentina): an appraisal of the factors contributing to unsustainability.

NARVARTE, M.; GONZÁLEZ, R.; FILIPPO, P.

FISHERIES RESEARCH

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2007 vol. 87 p. 69 - 76

0165-7836

The invertebrate fisheries of the San Matías Gulf, Río Negro Province, Argentina, are based on bivalve mollusks, including the purple clam Amiantis purpurata, the Tehuelche scallop Aequipecten tehuelchus, the mussel Mytilus edulis platensis, and the ribbed mussel Aulacomya atra, as well as the Patagonian octopus Octopus tehuelchus. The entire fishery is of small-scale in which 200 or more individuals, including collectors operating along the coastline, artisanal dredge fishermen, and commercial divers exploit these resources. The population dynamics among the various species are reflected in numerical fluctuations of individuals of each species over time, requiring the use of an opportunistic harvesting, expressed as alternating fishing strategies for different species. This study reviews the results of the strategies implemented for the exploitation and management of these invertebrate resources. Additionally, an assessment of the sustainability of these fisheries is performed using an integrated methodological framework developed by FAO. Factors contributing to unsustainability are identified and discussed in a broad sense (bioecological, economic, social and institutional). Although the unpredictable fluctuations in the fisheries resource availability are considered as a relevant factor, numerous anthropological aspects were identified as the main determinant issues dealing unsustainability.