Download file 263 KB Texto completo en español More of: Carlos  Chávez Rebolledo Mario Palma

This article describes forms of organization and rules of operation in the handling and exploitation of benthonic resources in the Bio Bio Region. In addition, based on a special survey among fishermen who are members of organizations, results are reported on an evaluation of compliance with rules on extraction and cooperation. It is concluded that even though the areas taken into account have similar organizations and operations, there are differences in the systems of control used and in the rules on the distribution of economic benefits. The results of the survey show that while 18% of fishermen declare that they breach the rule restricting the extraction quota, 43% recognize that they violate rules on cooperation. Also analyzed are the socioeconomic profile of small-scale fishermen who commit these violations, their perception of the legitimacy of regulations and of leaders, and the feeling of belonging to their organizations.