Evaluating formal and informal rules as a basis for implementing coastal marine artisanal fisheries management in Colombia

In artisanal fisheries, rules are essential elements for controlling access to and using resources, regulating the behavior of users and contributing to successful management. In Colombia, the management of the coastal marine artisanal fishing sector has utilized a centralized approach, limiting the implementation of rules and generating the need to look for alternatives that facilitate rule enforcement and contribute to the sustainability of fishing. Therefore, this study evaluates the enforcement of formal (regulations) and informal rules related to fisheries based on the perspective of 120 Colombian fishers from two case study coastal communities: Taganga (Caribbean) and Bahia Solana (Pacific). The implementation of an ancestral rule based on the allocation of fishing turns to beach seine nets in specific locations (ancones), stands out in the Caribbean community, while the implementation of an Exclusive Zone of Artisanal Fishing is stands out in the Pacific community. The results indicate that fishers recognize several regulations and have created informal rules within their territories, and the enforcement of these rules varies according to the context of each community. However, there are factors that influence the enforcement of both types of rules, such as participation of users in decision-making, the congruence of the rules with the socioeconomic context of the communities, the organization of the fishers and the monitoring, control and surveillance by the National Fisheries Authority. This study shows the urgency of managing the artisanal fishing sector in Colombia using a participatory approach and strengthening the empowerment of communities as alternatives to improving the implementation of rules.