Line of action:

Status:

Execution date:

To guarantee the sustainability of the resources of the purse seine fishery in the Gulf of Cadiz.

Specific objectives:

1. To diagnose the current situation of the purse seine fishery in the Gulf of Cadiz.
2. Design a Sustainable Integrated Management Plan for the fishery.
3. Involve the sector in the conservation of resources.

Based on the data obtained, the GISPECERCO project has made a diagnosis of the current situation of the fishery and has created a Sustainable Integrated Management Plan for the Purse Seine Fishery in the Gulf of Cadiz, as well as reports that increase technical, scientific, legal and administrative knowledge.

The following conclusions should be highlighted:

1. From the port point of view (Isla Cristina, Punta Umbría, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz and Barbate), a considerable and growing decrease in the fleet is observed. A report was made on the fishing fleet in the Gulf of Cadiz, Barbate, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Punta Umbría and Isla Cristina, in which 83 licences were granted for the purse seine modality in the Gulf of Cadiz – 26 belong to the port of Barbate, 18 to the fleet of Punta Umbría and Isla Cristina and 14 to that of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. representing 17% of the operational fleet that fishes in the Gulf of Cadiz.

2. From the point of view of resources, the purse seine modality in the Gulf of Cadiz depends to a large extent on the species of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardinapilchardus), species that, according to the ICES, are currently in an adverse situation. A report was made on the fishing species of the purse seine modality, identifying a total of 30 species, of which the target species stand out: Engraulis encrasicolus (anchovy), Sardina pilchardus (sardines), Scomber spp. (mackerel) and Trachurus spp. (horse mackerel). The secondary species present in the Gulf of Cadiz are Pomatomus saltatrix (chough), Sarda sarda (bonito), Boops boops (boga), Lithognathus mormyrus (blacksmith), Mugilidae spp. (mullet), Pomadasys incisus (snorer) and Pagellus erythrinus (breech).
3. From the point of view of landed catches, a statistical report and analysis of the costs and benefits of fishing activity has been carried out, in addition to a report on the marketing of the purse seine fishery and a report on the evaluation of prices and trends. In this sense, it can be seen that, despite purse seine being an activity with a significant weight at the level of production (kgs) and economic value (euros), in recent years there has been a downward trend. It was also observed that in the ports of Punta Umbría and Isla Cristina, although sardines are the main species of landing, a greater profit is obtained with the sale of anchovies.

4. In view of the multiple complaints by the sector itself about criteria for the distribution of fishing opportunities for species such as anchovy and sardines, a diagnosis has been made on the limiting factors for sustainability, considering that the distribution system, access to the fishing ground and the available scientific information are the first weaknesses of the fishery.

5. In the new Management Plan, it is necessary to contemplate tools such as co-management committees (with representation from the fishing sector, regional and national administration, scientific sector and NGOs) and certification under sustainability standards.

Having achieved the objectives set, this project is the beginning of a journey towards effective and sustainable co-management with the involvement and understanding of all stakeholders.