Artisanal fisheries adaptation in Uruguay: a national-level participatory research project

Abstract

Artisanal or small-scale fisheries (SSF) are social-ecological systems which sustain millions of people worldwide. However, their importance is not always acknowledged. That is the case in Uruguay, where SSF represent a source of livelihoods, a "way of life", and constitute a food system (although fish consumption is considerably low). SSF in Uruguay face multiple and interdependent challenges, including those related to resource conditions, socioeconomic and governance dimensions. Climate change is one of the drivers that can intensify the so-called fisheries crisis. In this dynamic and uncertain context, fishers’ adaptation becomes crucial. In 2023, the Latin American Network of Participatory Research (RIPAL), joined efforts with Uruguayan academic institutions and other actors to lead a transdisciplinary project on this topic.