Threats and prospects for the viability of small-scale fishing communities in Latin America: A systematic review of conflicts and blue injustices

Abstract

Coastal small-scale fishing communities (SSF) in Latin America face growing conflicts and injustices as they struggle to maintain their viability while confronting competing ocean uses, restrictive policies, and unequal power relations. In this paper, we aim to identify and analyze the types of conflicts and injustices that have affected the coastal SSF communities in Latin America and to investigate the strategies adopted by these communities in response to injustices. Based on a systematic literature review of 73 case studies, our findings indicate that the main conflicts affecting coastal SSF communities in Latin America are related to (i) sector specific blue economy initiatives (e.g. large-scale aquaculture, tourism, ports, etc.), (ii) conflicts among fisheries sectors, (iii) conservation policies, and (iv) fisheries policies and regulations. Distributive and social injustices are the primary types of injustice impacting SSF, and include restricted access to space and resources, discrimination and imbalanced power relationships among different actors. However, our review also highlights several strategies that have been employed to transform conflicts or injustices affecting SSF communities. These strategies include active social mobilization, legislative and regulatory changes, tenure rights interventions, participation inadvisory boards, compensatory or mitigation measures, litigation, and infrastructure/technology initiatives. We discuss the role of small-scale fishers’ agency and collective action in Latin America with reference to these strategies, highlighting how communities are not simply passive victims of conflicts and injustice. Instead, their resistance is crucial for addressing blue injustices and achieving viability through more equitable and sustainable fisheries governance.