The emergence of artisanal fishing as a strategic response in the Chilean fishing field

Abstract

The research explores the emergence of the “artisanal fishing” category in Chile as a strategic adaptation to the pressures of industrialization. Through a qualitative documental analysis, the study examines how this category became a vital mechanism for local fishers to defend their identity and secure their livelihoods against the expansion of industrial practices, particularly trawling. The findings show that the institutionalization of “artisanal fishing” not only shaped fisheries policy but also reinforced the socio-cultural integrity of fishing communities. This strategic framing enabled fishers to gain legal recognition and influence resource management decisions. The study underscores the critical role that such emergent social categories play in enabling marginalized groups to navigate power dynamics within policy environments, offering lessons for the ongoing adaptation of fisheries management frameworks to contemporary challenges.