Abstract

In recent years fishing has attracted worldwide attention because of the declines and even collapse of some fisheries. At the same time, it is noteworthy that despite this situation, smallscale- fisheries are not always given the necessary attention to improve their management, especially when compared with the attention given to agricultural sector. This study engages in a comparative analysis between the forms of management and problems of marine and inland fisheries in the state of Yucatan and Lake Yuriria. This will highlight the similarities and differences between the importance and problems of each of these activities and the need to implement appropriate measures addressed to their particularities, contributing to public policy Makers, and to the improvement of inland and marine fisheries management plans. This study was based on two surveys conducted in the Yucatan coast in 2008 and 2009 and one applied in Lake Yuriria in 2010. Results suggest that both marine and inland fisheries have similarities and differences necessary to consider in resource use and management policies. Both show significant decreases in catch volume and trading is also a problem because fishermen rely heavily on middlemen. Moreover, the lack in subsidies in inland fisheries is scarcer than in marine fisheries, because they compete largely with agriculture. In addition, inland fisheries struggle for water because of irrigation system concessions in agriculture. Finally, pollution and sediment problems in most lakes in the country and the lack of a recovery and management plan in Lake Yuriria are discussed.

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