Small-Scale Fisheries versus Whale-Watching Tourism: The Story of Puerto López Translated title: Arcadia: Explorations in Environmental History, Spring 2017, no. 3: Small-Scale Fisheries versus Whale-Watching Tourism: The Story of Puerto López

Abstract

More often than not, fish and fisheries are seen as commodified assets in a market-driven economy and have rarely been understood in terms of their cultural and historical dimensions. However, small-scale fisheries are still highly relevant for fishing communities which have abandoned the activity in search of more profitable businesses (e.g., tourism). This situation has affected fishers, who are losing their livelihood and their way of life, and has compromised their access to fish as food, and hence their food sovereignty. Consequently, the future generation’s ability to meet their needs without fishing is at risk. This article discusses small-scale fisheries, the intergenerational ethics behind their practice, and how these are connected with the food sovereignty discourse.