The politics of artisanal fisherfolk of anchoveta: challenging the success of sustainable fishing

This paper identifies how the artisanal fisherfolk of anchoveta (or Peruvian anchovy) are challenging the State in Peru, and why this is happening. The discussion focuses on the fact that political actions may come in many shades, depending on which are the triggers, and that subtle, indirect, and unconscious protests can also have policy implications. Despite the historical and cultural legacy that fishing communities have in the region, each actor of the artisanal value chain has particular interests and claims. Similarly, when unpacking the State, it has structural gaps within their multiple components, from norms and regulations, to local officers. Operating in the boundaries of legal and illegal is one of the ways to challenge the State. By belonging to an informal fleet, taking the State at its word to produce fishmeal, landing at the docks in the middle of the night, and fishing juveniles but choosing the less damaging sanction, fisherfolk exploit, at their own benefit, the gaps between the rights the State promised them and those that were delivered. In some ways, they comply with the State’ rules, although grudgingly. Yet, if they feel that their subsistence is being violated, then a revolt is expected. The results of this analysis are not only applicable to the livelihoods of Peruvian artisanal fisherfolk of anchoveta. By doing everyday politics, resisting daily, or protesting in the streets, extractive communities around the world continue to reshape States and to make the most of opportunities as they come.