Fishery zoning of Lake Chapala, Jalisco through extraction criteria, target species, and sale value

Abstract

Artisanal fishing in Lake Chapala relies on the capture of "target species" found in freshwater bodies. Fishing in this area plays a crucial role in both satisfying the community's self-consumption needs and generating self-employment opportunities. Therefore, examining and delineating fishing zones where individuals carry out their activities is crucial.

Fishing polygons were zoned and described, where Fishery Production Cooperative Societies carry out their activities in the water mirror to enhance the understanding of the fishing dynamics of the site. The mixed-methodological approach was developed in four stages: 1. Development and application of an interview script for key informants, 2. Creation and application of surveys aimed at cooperative leaders; 3. Design and application of questionnaires directed at fishermen, 4. Structuring and construction of a relational database with a geographical visual reference.

The information collected in interviews and surveys was compiled in a Geographic Information System, allowing the identification of charal and freshwater scales as target species. The results show three zoning maps of the water mirror based on criteria of extraction, target species, and sale value, supporting the geostatistical analysis of the reality of fisheries, social organization, and social subjects in the area.

It is concluded that the water mirror and fishing zones are systematically determined by geographical, social, biological, and economic factors that influence fishing effort pressure in focused areas of Lake Chapala.