Factors sustaining the snail artisanal fishery in the San Matías Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

In the San Matías Gulf, Argentina, artisanal fishers have adapted to declining stocks of traditional species by targeting alternative resources, such as the snail Buccinastrum deforme. This study investigates the sustainability of this artisanal diving fishery, emphasizing the role of informal rules and the socio-economic context of the fishers. We analyzed annual landings, fishing effort, and catch composition from 2000 to 2021 using mandatory landing reports and commercial data. Annual catches fluctuated, starting at 4 metric tons in 2000, peaking at 82 metric tons in 2011, and stabilizing at around 38 metric tons thereafter. Market demand, particularly from Asian markets between 2010 and 2016, influenced fishing dynamics, with a strong correlation between fishing effort and landings. Fishers exhibited adaptive strategies, alternating between mixed and non-mixed trips based on economic incentives. Analysis of size and sex composition of the catches revealed stable biological characteristics over time. Interviews with fishers revealed socio-economic challenges, including lack of health insurance, while highlighting the importance of fishing for household income. Informal management practices, such as selective harvesting and market-driven size preferences, have contributed to the stability of the fishery, although increased fishing effort raises concerns about sustainability. These findings provide valuable insights for the management of other small-scale fisheries facing similar challenges.