Coastal aquaculture and sustainable livelihoods in Mecoacán, Tabasco, México

Citation

Perez Sanchez E, Muir J & Ross L (2002) Coastal aquaculture and sustainable livelihoods in Mecoacán, Tabasco, México. Universidad y Ciencia, 18 (35), pp. 42-52. http://www.universidadyciencia.ujat.mx/index.php?ID=24&art=296

Abstract
The aim of this study is the measurement of driving forces taking place at the Mecoacan estuary, Tabasco using the sustainable livelihoods approach. Although aquaculture practices have been implemented as an alternative to fishing and to improve current levels of fisheries production, the results showed that conditions within Mecoacan fisheries have deteriorated significantly, as collective aggregation is not producing a positive outcome for the local communities. The reduction of access to resources and formal regulation through fishing cooperatives were demonstrated to have a significant effect on the integration of aquaculture into the livelihood portfolio of local communities. Considering the trends for international economic integration, it is impossible to conceive a sustainable livelihoods strategy that is isolated from the global context. Results suggest actual aquaculture establishment appears to fall within current cultural norms, and it may play an important role in the development of the Mecoacan estuary. Therefore, a major challenge is to create new policies that reduce the changes in social parameters that disperse benefits distribution, through the incorporation of socioeconomic and resource management aspects in the coastal zone of Tabasco.

Keywords
Aquaculture; sustainable development; resources management; Tabasco

Journal
Universidad y Ciencia: Volume 18, Issue 35