Abstract

UC-ESPADAS, Martha et al. Fishing permits and gender relations in Isla Arena, Campeche. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2017, vol.14, n.3, pp.383-404. ISSN 1870-5472.

To understand decision making by men and women within the framework of the property rights allows adopting policies that promote equality in the use of rights of access to fishing resources and, as a whole, to more efficient measures in regulation, leading to sustainable development. The objective of this article is to document the transfer of fishing permits from men to women in Isla Arena, Campeche, and to discuss whether this generates modifications in their access and control of fishing resources. From an ethnographic approach, participant observation, a survey with domestic units, and interviews with key informants linked to fishing activities were carried out. It is argued that decision making of women permit holders is associated to the purpose of fishing (commercial or subsistence), the family composition, and the type of participation of women in fishing activities. This study contributes inputs for the incorporation of gender perspective in the sustainable management of fishing resources.

Keywords : rights of access; gender; artisanal fishing; decision making.