Perceptions in small-scale fisheries regarding institutional, economic, technological and environmental factors. Case study in North-Western Spain

Abstract

This paper focuses on the analysis of the perceptions of small-scale fisheries (SSF) agents in order to identify concerns and sensitivities regarding the relevant socioeconomic dynamics of this sector. The analysis is applied to a case study in north-western Spain. Specifically, in the study our aim has been to contrast the perception of aspects related to initiatives in fisheries regulation (main general initiatives highlighted in FAO reports, and some more upcoming actions) and, simultaneously, to the influence of factors significant for the SSF (economic, technological and environmental). Aspects such as globalisation and markets, technological advances in the sector, climate change or generational and gender matters are considered in the analysis. The results show that both global movements as well as local dynamics are present in the perceptions of agents (and probably in their strategies), which could reduce the effectiveness of general regulatory initiatives, conceived on scientific bases, but which have to be applied in diverse socioecological contexts. In this sense, this work joins other case studies in helping address fishery governance and management matters.