Cultural importance of marine resources subject to fishing exploitation in coastal communities of Southwest Gulf of Mexico

• Published in: Ocean & coastal management Vol. 208; p. 105605
• Main Authors: Escamilla-Pérez, B.E., Ortiz-Lozano, L., Molina-Rosales, D.O., Espinoza-Tenorio, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2021
• Subjects: Artisanal fisheries; coastal zone management; Coral reefs; Cultural value; employment; food security; Gulf of Mexico; Lutjanus campechanus; Marine ecosystems; Mexico; Myliobatidae; Scomberomorus; Mexico; Gulf of Mexico; Coral reefs; Artisanal fisheries; Marine ecosystems; Gulf of Mexico; Cultural value
• ISSN: 0964-5691; 1873-524X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105605

Fishing is an essential activity in many countries' economies and food security, and Mexico is no exception. In the state of Veracruz, fishing creates employment and provides food for over forty thousand fishers and their families. Several of the ecosystems that support this activity are located in the Reef Corridor of the Southwest Gulf of Mexico. This study aimed at quantifying the value of exploited marine species in coastal communities from a cultural standpoint using a cultural value index. The approach allowed for a better understanding of resource appropriation and fishing resources' role in the everyday life of local communities. Fishers (221) from 10 communities on Veracruz’ state were interviewed, from Tamiahua in the north to Zapotitlán in the south. One hundred nine taxa were registered, including 87 species and six different kinds of uses. The cultural value was low in all taxa (0.00001–0.33). Scomberomorus cavalla, Lutjanus campechanus, Myliobatidae, and Scomberomorus maculatus had the highest cultural value. The cultural value was related to economic profit, age, and even first age of fishing in fisher from some communities. Cultural valuation of marine species in coastal communities enables the inclusion of fishing and natural resource cultural dimension into management strategies. It also props up conservation needs beyond ecologic and economic reasons and helps to preserve culture and appropriation forms carried out by communities associated with the reef resources. •The cultural value of the Reef Corridor of Veracruz marine resources can be observed through their use in local traditions.•The taxa with the highest cultural value correspond to those that generate the utmost economic benefit to fishermen.•Cultural importance of the Reef Corridor of Veracruz marine resources is influenced by the socioeconomic context.•Reef Corridor of Veracruz marine resources are present in fishing communities through their six types of uses.•Social cohesion and social institutions might be an important factor shaping the cultural value of marine resources.