Artisanal fishing requires the generation of knowledge to support decision-making in the management of fisheries resources in order to achieve its sustainable use. In this sense, the delimitation of areas of fisheries exploitation has been the subject of several studies and is considered the first step in planning efforts and marine spatial planning, where the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and its application influences understanding of fisheries management. Implementing the spatial analysis, the present investigation provide an initial approach of the artisanal fishing of the 'escama marina' resource that is carried out in Veracruz coast, Mexico, considering the establishment of fishing zones and settlement of the fishing sites, the localities with the greatest resources stock in the region, the distribution of the human effort as well as the depth and operation of fishing gear. The official commercial fishing permits were reviewed for small vessels and field visits were carried out to identify main fishing cooperatives and, through the use of spatial analysis tools, established a zoning scheme divided into 3 fishing areas. Incorporating local fishermen´ knowledge, we counted a total of 164 fishing sites distributed within depth strata, in which different capture systems are implemented for fishing activity. It was found that there are areas with higher concentration of fishing effort in the coast and possible social conflict zones for the fisheries resources in certain areas, which was possible to identify through the use of spatial analysis. The results of our study could become a useful tool to support the decision-making process for the design of zoning schemes and to define other management strategies for fisheries resources in Veracruz coast.

Abstract.-Throughout snorkeling and scuba diving ten study zones (sampling banks established in previous research by Instituto Nacional de Pesca -INAPESCA) were evaluated where the presence of the sea cucumber was reported. By line transect sea cucumbers were censed and collected to be measured and weighed, as well as their habitat characteristics were recorded. A total of 138 stations in the Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (SAV), equivalent to 37.794 m 2 of reef area sampled in the north and south were analyzed. In just 25 sampling points there were found Holothuria floridana (associated to seagrass and sand habitat, 0-1.5 m deep, with total length average of 10.88 cm and fresh weight average of 64.09 g) and Isostichopus badionotus (associated to sand and live coral habitat, 1.5-15 m deep, total length average of 27.2 cm and fresh weight of 769.19 g). The average density of the total banks evaluated was 0.008 ind.m -2. Results indicate that sea cucumber population in SAV is fragmented (patchiness or aggregation sites) and is not susceptible of exploitation (low density of individuals per unit area). As a management measure, some banks were suggested as potential sites in which there was a major presence of sea cucumber, with the purpose of monitoring these areas and evaluate the density of the population. This research and its results offer a current status about the fishing potential of the sea cucumber so that in the future, it will allow the suggestion to investigate their culture for the natural repopulation for a sustainable use of this marine resource in the region.