Transforming Fisheries in la Costa Chica of Oaxaca: Fishers, Socio-Spatial Organization, and Natural Resources

Abstract

This chapter examines changes in the social organization of Corralero, a fishing community with a population of African descent—changes that allowed residents to take control over strategic (marine) resources with respect to other towns around the Alotengo lagoon, in the Costa Chica of Oaxaca. These transformations played a key role in the town’s adaptation to environmental, demographic, and political changes that threatened its survival and the local environment, for the lagoon has been affected by population growth, uncontrolled fishing, and ecological damage that could result in the extinction of valuable resources. The text describes the Alotengo lagoon system, before outlining the political alliances that resulted in the introduction of canals and other structures that transformed spatial organization and increased the availability and proximity of fishing resources, but also modified some natural cycles. The next sections explain new modes of the social organization and techniques of fishing that are allowing the town to preserve its resources. These factors include a economic role for women and greater emphasis on their identity as people of African descent. The final section discusses the development of links with tourist markets in Acapulco that, though incipient, hold out the promise of new economic opportunities.