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Maritime Spatial Planning for Sustainable Fisheries

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2021) | Viewed by 17031

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Dr. Luca Bolognini

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National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), 60125 Ancona, Italy
Interests: maritime spatial planning; integrated coastal zone management; fisheries science; biology and ecology of fisheries targeted species; ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF); fish communities associated with artificial reefs; small-scale fisheries; recreational fisheries
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Dear Colleagues,

The EU Directive defined Maritime Spatial Planning as a process by which the relevant Member State’s authorities analyze and organize human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives. The subject of the matter is promoting the sustainable growth of maritime economies, the sustainable development of marine areas, and the sustainable use of marine resources. The maritime spatial plan, which each Member State must adopt, shall aim to contribute to the sustainable development of important sectors, including fisheries. This one is in critical condition, due to several issues, such as the condition of fully or over-exploitation of the major fishing stocks such as in the Mediterranean Sea, or the impact of the global change in the abundance of the natural resources. At the same time, fisheries are relevant in terms of seafood supply for populations, number of employees, and the related economy. Environmental, social, and economic aspects are focal features to be considered for the sustainable and harmonious development of this sector.

The aim of this Special Issue is to assemble a set of science-based papers reporting how the maritime spatial planning process, in all its aspects, could enhance fisheries’ sustainability. Priority will be given to papers that include novel tools and approaches that will be useful to facilitate maritime spatial planning for the fishery sector. Papers are invited from all countries and could describe specific case studies that can contribute to better understand how to move forward in maritime spatial planning for sustainable fisheries.

Dr. Luca Bolognini
Guest Editor

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Keywords

maritime spatial planning (MSP)
integrated coastal zone management (ICZM)
sustainable fisheries
ecosystem-based approach
MSP tool
anthropogenic activities
marine zoning
innovative approach
spatial conflicts
marine resources

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 3153 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainability of the Portuguese North-Western Fishing Activity in the Face of the Recently Implemented Maritime Spatial Planning

by Emilio Salas-Leiton, Ana Costa, Vanessa Neves, Joana Soares, Adriano Bordalo and Sérgia Costa-Dias

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031266 - 24 Jan 2022

Viewed by 3125

Abstract

The Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) for continental Portugal was approved in December 2019 and has established a novel framework for those players that carry out maritime activities. In light of this challenge, our work addresses the current status of the fishing activity in the north-western region of Portugal, where relevant small-scale fisheries (SSF) are still well established. Based on official statistical data and a stakeholder survey, structural, economic, and social issues that significantly influence the sustainability of this industry were studied. Throughout the 2012–2019 pre-COVID-19 period, the price revalorization of primary products in first-sale markets was the key aspect that allowed fisheries to partially counteract the loss of economic value associated with the decreased fishing production (a decline of 46% of the total nominal catches). Regarding the regional fishing trade network, the fact that a given species reaches a wide range of prices in closely located major landing ports (Matosinhos, Póvoa de Varzim, and Viana do Castelo) constitutes, nonetheless, an issue that deserves attention and optimization. A survey conducted among training professional fishers confirmed a deeply rooted family/regional tradition but revealed concerns about the future generational replacement. The trainees demanded stronger support from the government, a modernization process for fishing activity, as well as higher social salary standards. Moreover, they assigned a high relevance to the sustainability of aquatic resources. In conclusion, the results shown in the present study reveal a noticeable ability of the regional fishing industry to overcome the challenging economic circumstances that have occurred in the last few years. Against the new scenario decisively influenced by the MSP, a generation of future regional fishers that pursue high social and environmental standards is certainly a solid basis for an optimistic future performance of this activity. For that purpose, a firm commitment to the use of technology seems like a key strategy to adopt in order to further the sustainability of the fisheries in the north-western region of Portugal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maritime Spatial Planning for Sustainable Fisheries)

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12 pages, 4858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AIS and VMS Ensemble Can Address Data Gaps on Fisheries for Marine Spatial Planning

by Pascal Thoya, Joseph Maina, Christian Möllmann and Kerstin S. Schiele

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3769; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073769 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4050

Abstract

Spatially explicit records of fishing activities’ distribution are fundamental for effective marine spatial planning (MSP) because they can help to identify principal fishing areas. However, in numerous case studies, MSP has ignored fishing activities due to data scarcity. The vessel monitoring system (VMS) and the automatic identification system (AIS) are two commonly known technologies used to observe fishing activities. However, both technologies generate data that have several limitations, making them ineffective when used in isolation. Here, we evaluate both datasets’ limitations and strengths, measure the drawbacks of using any single dataset and propose a method for combining both technologies for a more precise estimation of the distribution of fishing activities. Using the Baltic Sea and the North Sea–Celtic Sea regions as case studies, we compare the spatial distribution of fishing effort from International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) VMS data and global fishing watch AIS data. We show that using either dataset in isolation can lead to a significant underestimation of fishing effort. We also demonstrate that integrating both datasets in an ensemble approach can provide more accurate fisheries information for MSP. Given the rapid expansion of MSP activities globally, our approach can be utilised in data-limited regions to improve cross border spatial planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maritime Spatial Planning for Sustainable Fisheries)

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28 pages, 4673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecosystem-Based MSP for Enhanced Fisheries Sustainability: An Example from the Northern Adriatic (Chioggia—Venice and Rovigo, Italy)

by Giulio Farella, Anna Nora Tassetti, Stefano Menegon, Martina Bocci, Carmen Ferrà, Fabio Grati, Amedeo Fadini, Otello Giovanardi, Gianna Fabi, Saša Raicevich and Andrea Barbanti

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1211; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031211 - 24 Jan 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5456

Abstract

Human pressures on marine ecosystems significantly increased during last decades. Among the intense anthropic activities, industrial fisheries have caused the alteration of habitats, the reduction of biodiversity and the main fish stocks. The aim of this research, carried out in the Adriatic Sea, was to test a repeatable Marine Spatial Planning framework aimed at enhancing fisheries sustainability through the application of Decision Support Tools and the composition of a catalog of possible measures. The use of these tools proved very useful to identify possible criticalities and facilitate an effective exchange with fisheries stakeholders, local authorities, and fishermen, whose involvement was an indispensable step in the process. Tool-based analyses allowed to assess the spatial footprint of a range of anthropogenic pressures from human activities (e.g., fisheries, maritime traffic, and aquaculture). Within this multi-pressure scenario, special attention was paid to fishing-related disturbances and potential conflicts across different fishing métier and with other sectors. Specifically, results highlighted the spatial features of the major fishing pressures (e.g., abrasion from trawling) affecting essential fish habitats, marine mammals and turtles in the study area. A portfolio of possible management measures is identified for the study area. It provides clear evidence that, in order to mitigate emerging conflicts and cumulative impacts, it is necessary to combine and integrate different types of measures: spatial measures modulated over time, monitoring and control, actions to fill knowledge gaps, concertation—involvement—co-management actions, improvement of governance systems, actions to support innovation in the sector, etc. Given the complex set of measures discussed, this work can provide a useful contribution to the management of fisheries both at local and regional level, fostering the transition to sustainable fisheries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maritime Spatial Planning for Sustainable Fisheries)

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17 pages, 2438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture Activities in the Atlantic Coast of the Portuguese North Region: Multi-Stakeholder Views as a Tool for Maritime Spatial Planning

by Emilio Salas-Leiton, Luis R. Vieira and Lúcia Guilhermino

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020663 - 12 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3270

Abstract

The experienced view of stakeholders is a very valuable tool to build inclusive and reliable maritime spatial planning (MSP). Within this context, the present work assesses the potential and limitations for a further sustainable development of fishing and aquaculture activities, considering the Portuguese North Region as case study. The official strategies and legal framework drafted by Portugal in MSP issues were initially reviewed, with the corresponding management objectives identified. Official statistical data were used to show the current situation of regional fishery and aquaculture, while the perceptions of involved groups were collected by a methodology based in a multi-stakeholder survey and subsequent workshop. Taking into account the regional circumstances defined by a decreased fishing production (decline of 45.9% during the period of 2012–2019) and scarce aquaculture weight (≤1% in terms of national production in 2018), the stakeholders brought to light great difficulties on the part of public administration to implement official management objectives. The stakeholders also considered that conflicts between maritime activities are almost inexistent at present, even though they predicted future disagreements when new players intend to use maritime space. A positive response about a successful future for aquaculture was obtained from every group surveyed, although the specialized stakeholders pointed out severe limitations for a further development of both off-shore and extensive coastal aquaculture modalities. In conclusion, it seems evident there is the need for a fluent collaboration with the regional fishing stakeholder, particularly promoting synergies involving small scale fleets, in order to avoid future potential conflicts. Against the challenges and limitations posed by the aquaculture industry, promoting the intensive cultivation of high commercial value fish and new interest local species, when conducted under sustainable practices that add value to the harvested product, would be an interesting strategy to implement in our case study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maritime Spatial Planning for Sustainable Fisheries)

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