A medio siglo de manejo pesquero en el noroeste de México, el futuro de la pesca como sistema socioecológico

Fisheries management in northwestern Mexico must fully recognize fisheries as part of a social-ecological system. This study describes the evolution and status of management, including dynamics between management institutions and conservation organizations, highlighting opportunities and challenges to achieving ecological and social sustainability. In this context, recognizing artisanal fisheries as a social as well as economic activity would facilitate the evolution of governance and management systems to align with social objectives. This allows for fully addressing highly important issues, such as the challenges faced by Indigenous fishing communities, or the expected impacts of climate change. The scientific knowledge and experience accumulated over five decades represent a significant capacity to develop new strategies to transition towards system sustainability. The success of this process will depend on the ability to consolidate a unified vision of desired benefits, particularly for fishing communities.