SOSART

Context

Over the past decade, AZTI has developed several projects to gather information on the activity of the artisanal or small-scale fleet based in the Basque Country and operating in the coastal waters of the Bay of Biscay, with initiatives such as Ebartesa (Murillas et al. 2023; Galparsoro et al. 2024; Bachiller et al. 2024) and the INTERREG Atlantic Area project CABFishMAN (see the geotool with the generated information) standing out.

However, beyond data collection, the objective is to use all the knowledge and data already generated to advise both the sector and public administrations on management issues: (i) both regarding fishing activity itself, and (ii) in relation to the coastal area where a large number of maritime activities coexist, including those of these small-scale fleets.

In particular, two key aspects are currently identified that require specific guidance: on the one hand, the potential socioeconomic impact that the designation of new Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems, as well as other protection measures, may have on the activity of this fleet. The aim is to assess to what extent socioeconomic impact studies take into account the sustainability of this type of fleet and how it is affected. AZTI plans to participate as an invited expert in the STECF EWG-24_09 working group to contribute knowledge on the methodology for analysing the aforementioned socioeconomic impacts that marine area closures may cause.

On the other hand, the implementation of Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy seeks to distribute fishing opportunities by favouring more sustainable practices. This implies going beyond traditional criteria based on historical catches, incorporating environmental, economic and social factors. In this context, the European Commission has promoted the concept of Sustainable Blue Growth, aligned with the European Green Deal, to ensure the sustainability of the marine economy. However, the definition of sustainability varies widely across organisations, generating different approaches in the evaluation and application of criteria. While the FAO defines it as the ability to meet present needs without compromising future ones, the Marine Stewardship Council emphasises the need to avoid overfishing and maintain healthy populations. This diversity highlights the importance of establishing clear and agreed indicators to achieve balanced and sustainable fisheries management.

Objetives

The objective of this work is to advise both the fishing sector and public administration on the impact that the adoption of different indicators for the allocation of fishing opportunities may have on the sustainability of fleets.

In both cases, the aim is to ensure that these small-scale fleets can secure their future survival by anticipating as effectively as possible the impact of new regulations on their sustainability, and to provide timely guidance to both the sector and public administration.

To this end, two main objectives have been established:

Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VME)

The aim is to analyse the socioeconomic impact that the expansion of protected areas for Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems will have on the Basque artisanal fleet. To this end, key information will be collected, previous assessments will be compared, and the effect on fleet geolocation and economics will be evaluated. Recommendations will also be developed regarding the reallocation of fishing effort and the sustainability of employment in the sector. Finally, participation in the Expert Working Group (EWG 24-09) will contribute relevant information and support the preparation of a new report for DG Mare.

Allocation of fishing opportunities under Article 17 of the CFP

A specific sustainability index for the artisanal fleet will be developed to assess its contribution in environmental, social and economic terms. This tool will be useful for advising both the sector and the regional administration in light of potential future changes to the criteria applied under Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy, which allows for the consideration of new criteria in the distribution of fishing quotas.

Expected impact

The aim is to develop and, above all, apply analytical tools that make it possible to advise the sector and public administration on how the sustainability of these fleets may be affected both by the closure of marine areas and by the use of new criteria for the allocation of future fishing opportunities.

These tools will provide information and management guidance almost immediately, enabling the sector to be proactive and respond to any future management measures.

Funding