Fishing techniques and socio-environmental conditions among the mero ikoots of San Mateo del Mar (Oaxaca, Mexico)

Abstract

This article exposes the main fishing techniques used by mero ikoots of San Mateo del Mar (Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico), trying to show how their great variety is due to an excellent adaptation to the biophysical environment, since they are able to function effectively in various environmental and social conditions. Thus, it shows fishing with atarraya net, with short and long chinchorro, fish on foot with a trawl net, kite fishing and copos. The text closes with some reflections that try to relate the different techniques to the age division of fishing tasks, as well as contextualize the mutual influences between the mero ikoots and the complex environment of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.