The article discusses the territorial transformations and the economic, environmental, and cultural factors that have afected artisan fishing activity in Cucao and Tenaún (Province of Chiloé) over the past few years. Tanks to the testimonies and opinions of the zone's artisan fishermen, it was possible to obtain a detailed explanation of these transformations and of the changes in territorial appropriation. The results obtained show that these transformations jeopardize the traditional ways of life of coastal cultures, as well as the sustainable appropriation of artisan fishing resources.