Fishermen Engagement in Mediterranean MPAs

Artisanal fishing, although often considered as a relatively environmentally-friendly activity, has the potential to seriously impact fishing resources, especially in Mediterranean MPAs. Traditional “top-down” approaches based on centralised government interventions have proven to be inadequate in managing local stocks, limiting resource depletion and solving user-group conflicts. MPAs, as a potential tool for sustaining artisanal fishing and related human communities, may have a role to play in supporting co-management, a bottom-up management approach as opposed to more conventional top-down approaches for the management of natural resources.

Aim of the tool

The general aim of the study is to support Mediterranean MPA managers in assessing and managing artisanal fisheries by introducing a co-management approach.

Main objectives

The specific aims of this study are to:

• Provide an outline of the current situation of artisanal fishing in Mediterranean MPAs; and
• Identify the potential variables influencing the success of artisanal fishing management in Mediterranean MPAs, including the level of fishermen engagement in artisanal fishing management in each MPA.

Technological infrastructure

No requirements

Training

Training may be needed for MPA personnel to implement the envisaged co-management approach and for fishermen who wish to be involved in pescatourism activities.

Investment

No requirements

Concept

The study provides a descriptive analysis of the status of artisanal fishing management in the Mediterranean Sea. It focuses on MPAs and provides a series of recommendations that could help MPAs to implement a co-management approach with local artisanal fisheries.

A total of 26 case studies are described, reporting the status of artisanal fisheries, the process of fishermen engagement and the lessons learnt. Data gathered are compared and discussed to identify the potential factors that may determine the success or failure of artisanal fishing management in Mediterranean MPAs.

Recommendations are proposed to improve artisanal fishing management in MPAs. These recommendations are derived from the study results and the author, and relate to four main aspects: (i) research and monitoring, (ii) fishermen involvement, (iii) management, and (iv) communication and awareness raising.

Pilot areas

The research provided in this analysis focused on 26 case studies of Mediterranean MPAs from seven Mediterranean countries, with the intention of providing both specific analyses of each single case, and generalities for the whole Mediterranean.

Recommended timeline of implementation

No specific timeline is indicated to implement the proposed recommendations. In general, it is strongly advised to include a fisheries management plan as part of the wider MPA management plan.

Knowledge of, and data on the ecological status of fish resources including catches, revenues, fleets, fishing effort and social and economic aspects, are limited. It is crucial to collect such data and disseminate them at both local and broader scales, so as to legitimise the co-management process in the eyes of all the stakeholders involved, and to provide examples to other MPAs.

Moreover, fishermen engagement is a time-consuming process, which requires major efforts in building trust between fishermen and MPA management bodies. The role of civil society organisations is extremely valuable. The leadership of influential fishermen is also instrumental, as they can convince other fishermen in the community of the benefits of participating in co-management schemes.

Finally, as the establishment of an MPAs may involve lower yields, or higher costs in the short term for fishermen displacement towards fishing grounds open to fishing, efforts should be made to assess impacts and identify potential alternative livelihoods and strategies.

Quantitative results

By applying the recommendations included in the study, it is expected that MPA managers increase their knowledge of the status of artisanal fisheries inside their MPA, and improve their management approaches toward the establishment of effective co-management schemes.

Key deliverables

Knowledge and know-how.

Transfer potential

The proposed recommendations can be applied by all Mediterranean MPAs as a successful bottom-up approach for sustainable artisanal fisheries and to promote adoption of co-management.