Abstract

Exploration of the concepts of “profit maximizer” and “skipper effect” was undertaken using empirical data from small-scale fisheries in Yucatán, México. Fishers from the three communities studied exploit the same fishing resources and are constrained by similar regulations and environmental conditions. A comparative analysis was undertaken based on catch rates and the generation of a fishing performance index. General Lineal Models (GLM) were employed to identify variables associated to catches obtained by fishers in all communities. The results show differences among and within communities in catch profiles. We conclude that not all fisher tend to maximize their catches even though some fishers appear to be more efficient than others. In one community, differences between the more efficient fishers and the ‘average’ were tenfold, in other community fishers were more homogeneous. Variations in catch and landed values were associated mainly with the number of trips undertaken within a fishing season in all communities. In addition, in Dzilam Bravo, fishers’ experience, boat size, and motor power were also associated with catch variation. Hence, a mix of several elements, seem to determine catch rates in the case of small-scale fishers with important contribution due to fishers choices regarding the frequency of trips they undertake. We discuss the implication of using fishing performance index as an indication of the level of exploitation of fisheries and implications for policy design.

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