Geography Theses and Dissertations

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Globalization and neoliberalism in Ecuador: The expansion and effects of the commercial tuna fishing industry
(University of Oregon, 2011-03) Bellinger, Nathan H., 1982-
Between the 1980s and early 2000s, Ecuador's commercial tuna fishing industry evolved from an insignificant player in the global marketplace to the third largest tuna fishery in the world. The reasons behind this dramatic expansion are integrally linked to economic globalization and more specifically, the proliferation of neoliberal economic policies throughout Latin America and Ecuador. In this thesis, I link neoliberal reforms, such as increased capital mobility, free trade agreements, and export-led development, to the rapid growth of Ecuador's tuna fishery, centrally located in Manta. I then explore the place-based effects of these reforms by elucidating the social and environmental impacts of the tuna industry. I argue that while there have been some benefits, such as economic growth and job creation, expansion of Manta's tuna fishery has exacerbated local inequalities, created serious environmental problems, and led to new workplace challenges for employees in the industry.