The evolution of cooperative versus non-cooperative governance of small-scale fisheries

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) around the world are often organized in patron-client relationships (PC), where fishers deliver fish to a fishbuyer who sells it at regional markets. PCs have recently been criticized as being unequal, exploitative and unsustainable. Many governments have thus developed measures to promote fishing cooperatives. Despite these efforts, PC relationships appear to be increasing globally. The aim of our work is to shed light on why this social organization is very persistent. To this end we combine in depth empirical research on fishbuyers and fishers in an SSF in Mexico with agent-based modeling. This allows us to test hypotheses about the role of actor characteristics, such as their social skills, and the resources, as well as the institutional environment in which these interactions take place, for the establishment and persistence of PC relationships versus cooperatives.