Impact of disproportionate sanctions on the artisanal and industrial fishing sectors on the economic sustainability of the Organic Law for the Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries in Ecuador

• Autores: Zambrano Vera , Paulina Leonor, Pacheco Saldaña , Cristian Bolívar, Amelia Alvarado , Lissette
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2025
• Institución: Universidad José Carlos Mariátegui
• Repositorio: Revista ciencia y tecnología para el desarrollo UJCM
• Lenguaje: español
• OAI Identifier: oai:ojs.revistas.ujcm.edu.pe:article/341
• Enlace del recurso: https://revistas.ujcm.edu.pe/index.php/rctd/article/view/341
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: Asimetría; Pesca; Sanciones; Sector artesanal; Reformas

This study examined the equity of the sanctioning regime of Ecuador's Organic Law for the Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries and its impact on the economic viability of the artisanal sector. Using a qualitative methodology that combined regulatory review (Articles 192-229 of the above-mentioned law), 45 sanctioning resolutions (2021–2023), and 30 semi-structured interviews with key actors, a significant punitive asymmetry was detected. The findings indicate that 80% of participants perceive sanctions as disproportionate. Although the nominal fine for the artisanal sector is lower (1–10 SBU), the use of multipliers based on the value of the catch resulted in fines exceeding 300% of the value of their assets in 70% of cases, while for the industrial sector the average sanction was 15%. Eighteen percent (85%) of sanctions affected the artisanal sector, demonstrating a severe differential impact. It is concluded that the regime, with strict application and no prior corrective mechanisms, is counterproductive to sustainability goals. Compared with Chile and Peru’s progressive models, there is an emphasis on the need for reform that incorporates graduality, substantive differentiation, and technical assistance.