Small-scale fishery in the Balearic Islands (W Mediterranean): A socio-economic approach

Small-scale fisheries in Europe face an uncertain situation from different pressures that undermine its social and economic viability in the near future. We investigate the issue of sustainability and options for future development of small-scale fisheries by means of a case study in Majorca (Balearic Islands; W Mediterranean). We analysed the socio-economic status of this small-scale fishery by means of economic indicators derived from data obtained through questionnaires. Our results show that the economic profitability of this activity is low and that, under the current economic situation small-scale, fishing has limited attractiveness, a situation similar to other Mediterranean small-scale fisheries. However, as a producer of high-quality fresh fish fetching comparatively high prices, small-scale fishing should have a viable future if the factors identified as responsible for the low economic viability could be redressed (such as excessive fishing pressure on the resource because it is shared with other commercial or recreational fishers; inadequate pricing system). Reducing the conflicts with other users of the coastal zone, by appropriate spatial zonation (combined with the already existing network of MPAs), is a measure that receives a favourable opinion from professional fishers, while diversifying the activity by combining professional fishing with tourism-fishing is less attractive to professional fishers in the Majorca Island. This model of development is both acceptable to the stakeholders involved in the fishery and in line with current European policies (Marine Strategy Framework directive) which favour forms of spatial planning as fisheries management measures. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.