Omar Sánchez Becerril
Other projects
6 Jul 2023
Assessment of Biological and Socioeconomic Effects in a Fishery Refuge Zone in Yucatan, Mexico
The Celestún Fishery Refuge Zone (FRZ), the second largest in Mexico, plays a critical role in the conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainability of small-scale fisheries. However, its effectiveness has not been thoroughly assessed, particularly regarding ecological outcomes, social equity, and governance. This project aims to evaluate the ecological and socio-economic impacts of the FRZ through biodiversity monitoring, fishermen’s perceptions of equity, and social network analysis of governance structures.
Sighting of a Nurse Shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum. ©Omar Sánchez Becerril.
The ecological component will involve underwater visual censuses conducted twice a year (rainy and dry seasons) at 30 monitoring stations—18 inside the FRZ and 12 in control areas. These surveys will assess species richness, community structure, and biomass trends of ecologically and commercially important species such as the red grouper (Epinephelus morio), spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), and red octopus (Octopus maya). Diversity indices, including Shannon-Weaver and rarefaction curves, will provide insights into the effectiveness of the FRZ in sustaining biodiversity.
The equity assessment will evaluate the three dimensions of social equity:
a) Recognition equity, measuring the extent to which fishermen’s cultural practices and traditional knowledge are acknowledged in conservation efforts. b) Procedural equity, assessing participation levels in decision-making processes regarding the FRZ’s governance. c) Distributive equity, analyzing how conservation benefits, such as alternative income opportunities, are perceived and distributed among stakeholders.
The governance evaluation will employ social network analysis (SNA) to examine stakeholder relationships, governance effectiveness, and information flow. Network connectivity, diversity of actors (fishermen, government agencies, NGOs, researchers), and perceived governance effectiveness will be key indicators. These insights will contribute to improving decision-making processes, adaptive management, and long-term conservation success.
This project aligns with global conservation strategies, particularly the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which promotes Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) as alternatives to traditional protected areas. By integrating biodiversity monitoring, social equity evaluations, and governance analysis, this study will provide a comprehensive framework for assessing the effectiveness of fisheries refuge zones. Moreover, the findings will offer science-based recommendations to enhance community participation, improve governance, and strengthen conservation policies for sustainable fisheries management in the region.
Header image: Sighting of a Nurse Shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum. ©Omar Sánchez Becerril.