Recreational Fishing within Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean

Recreational fishing is increasing rapidly, particularly across Mediterranean coastal areas where it represents more than 10% of the total production of all fishing. It entails a significant impact due not only to the extraction of natural resources, but also to pollution, waste generation and excessive numbers of people. This commands the need for further research and proactive management with regard to recreational fishing in Mediterranean MPAs.

Aim of the tool

The overall aim of the study is to provide an outline of the current situation of recreational fishing in Mediterranean MPAs and to propose measures for its sustainable management, in line with the conservation objectives of the MPAs.

Main objectives

The specific objectives of the study are to:

• Assess the socio-economic characteristics and biological impacts of recreational fishing on marine resources in MPAs, particularly on the most vulnerable species; and
• Propose recommendations for monitoring and management actions within MPAs for recreational fisheries.

Technological infrastructure

The use of a telephone and/or email to interview fishers is recommended in cases where low funding does not allow for aerial surveys to be performed. A computer and Internet connection are necessary to develop and regularly maintain a database of collected data.

Training

In relation to sampling recreational fisheries and fishers’ interviews, training is recommended for interviewers. This training should focus on sampling methods; the recognition of species, fishing techniques and baits; and other key factors such as how to formulate the questions to avoid bias in the responses.

Investment

Adequate funding is necessary to carry out regular monitoring using traditional methods. If this is not possible, some means should be available to evaluate the distribution of fishermen and fishing modes for example, using the observations of park rangers via some kind of log, in which the presence of recreational fishermen can be written down. Another method worth considering is the use of telephone or email interviews. A good balance between cost and reliability are Roving-access (or Access point) and Roving-roving, where census and interviews are usually conducted on foot or by boat.

Questionnaires are recommended as the most effective method for data collection on recreational fisheries in MPAs.

Concept

The first part of this study presents the methodologies followed and the results of recreational fisheries monitoring in the Mediterranean. Data includes: fishing effort and yield; direct and indirect impacts on coastal and marine resources; the social profile and economic importance of recreational fishers; and the legal regulation of the sector.

The second part presents recommendations to the MedPAN network, managers and technical staff of the MPAs and European, national and regional authorities. Recommendations aimed to improve the monitoring, evaluation and management of impacts generated by recreational fishing, and provide new ideas for environmental education campaigns addressed to recreational fishermen. They combine a bottom-up approach (getting fishermen involved, co-management, etc.) with a top-down approach (European regulations, fishing permits, centralised data-bases, etc.).

Pilot areas

The assessment of recreational fisheries included data collected from a questionnaire distributed to managers of 31 Mediterranean MPAs in Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, as well as from scientific literature and other documents.

Recommended timeline of implementation

Given the large variations that can be found in the results from one year to another, it is recommended to repeat studies or monitoring efforts year after year, or at least every certain number of years, in order to assess how the impact on fishing resources is developing. Simpler studies carried out annually could be combined with more extensive studies every three to five years, to produce a reliable series of surveys over time that would help to fill the gaps in our information regarding this activity.

The study thoroughly addresses the weaknesses and challenges involved in each step of implementation of the recommended measures. This includes, for example, the need to combine different methodologies for data collection to avoid the drawbacks of single methods, the positive and negative aspects of catch and release, and challenges related to the involvement of fishers in management and educational and awareness raising activities.

Quantitative results

By applying the recommendations included in this study, it is expected that MPA managers will have a better overview of the status and pressures of recreational fisheries in their MPA, and will thus improve their management by minimising the adverse environmental impacts while at the same time raising the awareness and education of recreational fishers.

Key deliverables

Key deliverables are the knowledge and know-how for the monitoring and management of recreational fishing in MPAs.

Transfer potential

The list of recommendations is directed at the MedPAN network as a whole, managers of MPAs and their technical staff and European, national and regional authorities that are responsible for the evaluation and management of recreational fishing. run, maintain and promote the activity. Underwater trails generate market and/or non-market income and benefits to the local population, tourists, professionals and institutional stakeholders.