Abstract

The bottom trawling fishing in Venezuela was developed in the 50´s being oriented its production to local markets (fish) and international markets (shrimp). This economic activity ended on March 14th. 2009 when was enforced the article 23 of the Fishing and Aquiculture Law which prohibits the use of this method of fishing in the coasts of Venezuela. Even though this decision was taken upon ecological and environmental criteria, it seems that the implications of such law on the employment generation or over the offer of sea products for human consumption were underestimated, taken on the account that this industrial fleet reaches over 400 ships. This is the reason why this study is oriented to evaluate the change that took place in the offer of such sea products to the Venezuelan consumer, polling seafood parlors in the capital´s area (Caracas) for all social levels (high – medium – low) in 30 of these establishments throughout the city. Thru these polls it will be compared the offer and prices before and after the enforcement of that law, as well as the adjustments the owners of those business had to make to keep their customers satisfied and well stocked for their demand. It is foreseen a greater impact upon the lower class levels since they were the principal target of this commercial fishing method.

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