Researcher(s):
Kim Vanderklein
ENVS course(s): 400 Initiated: September 2011 Completed: May 2012 Go to project site
|
Over a quarter of the world fisheries are already considered to be overexploited (FAO, 2010). If such a trend as this continues for the next several decades, there will be very few naturally occurring fish stocks left in our oceans. This thesis will look back at the history of two fishing industries located in South America, the Ecuadorian tuna industry and the Chilean salmon industry, how these particular industries developed into top competitors in their respective international markets. In answering this question I examine Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory (WST) to distinguish if this model works as a means for helping to understand the changing dynamics in these industries. What I found was that the development of these industries was due in large part to the influence of foreign powers. Ultimately, what I conclude is that the Ecuadorian tuna industry matched the WST more closely than the Chilean salmon industry and that of the two industries the Chilean salmon industry provides the best model for mitigating its environmental externalities