Socioeconomic characteristics of the abalone fishery along the west coast of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico

This work describes the current characteristics of the abalone fishery along the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico from a social and economic point of view. The species Haliotis fulgens and H. corrugata are the principal products of this fishery. During 1996, the abalone fishery had a total production of about 400 t (meat weight). The value of this production has been estimated to be 36 million dollars (US), considering the price of the end product is US $2,200.00 per box of 48 cans. This resource has been placed third in importance of export for Mexico, because the price has increased substantially in recent years. In this paper, incomes and estimates of production costs for all aspects of the fishery within the Central zone of Baja California are given. The direct employment in the industry is about 450 employed in the catch phase and 350 at the processing plant. Along the central west coast of the Baja Peninsula, there are nine fishing cooperatives and 150 abalone fishing boats. In each are a diver, a boat captain, and an air handler. Each boat is 22-ft long, with a 55-HP motor and 'Hookah' diving gear and compressor. Eight plants process the catch.