Vulnerability and diversification of small-scale fishers: Corridor La Paz Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Fishing is a fundamental economic activity in the development of coastal areas. However, it experiences processes of overexploitation, deterioration of ecosystems, increased social pressure, and administrative inefficiencies, among other challenges that compromise the sustainability and well-being of many highly dependent and highly vulnerable communities. Given this scenario, fishers incorporate strategies to improve their condition, highlighting economic diversification. This study presents a baseline of the small-scale fishing activities of La Paz Bay and surrounding waters including the impacts of fisher’s diversification on total income and vulnerability due to income. This comprehensive and transdisciplinary study includes qualitative and quantitative research techniques, validation processes for database information, application and analysis of surveys, fieldwork, and results validation workshops with fishers and representatives from Cooperatives. Sociodemographic, vulnerability, poverty, and diversification indicators were determined. Among the results, a diagnostic of fishing in La Paz Bay stands out which recorded the capture of 100 species, integrated into 12 small-scale fisheries. Some stand out due to their relative importance including finfish, clams, scallops, and elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). Due to the relevance of the finfish fishery, the relative importance of groups of species was determined, highlighting 16 species, which together accumulate more than 90% of the annual production. The economic diversification of La Paz Bay fishers is higher than other Baja California Sur regions, and although the activities reported are diverse, they are mainly related to tourist services, and diversification only occurs when they maintain the activity of fishing in combination with others. Fishers tend to switch to other economic activities, highlighting construction, agriculture, commerce, and even the leasing of part of their heritage. Finally, a positive relationship between diversifying, with higher per capita income levels and vulnerability reduction was confirmed; and it is more complex to diversify for fishers who live in rural isolated communities with low populations.