The disconnection between small-scale fisheries production and local consumption in the Balearic Islands: seeking a balance between tradition and innovation.

A recent study led by the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA CSIC-UIB) underscores the urgent need to adopt sustainable approaches to ensure the continuity of small-scale fisheries and preserve their valuable cultural and economic legacy in the Mediterranean.

Small-scale fisheries (SSF), operating near the coast and often managed by local communities or families, are characterized by less invasive capture methods and lower catch capacity compared to industrial fleets. Despite being crucial for food security and local livelihoods, these fisheries face challenges ranging from declining resources to management strategies that favor reducing fishing effort and increasing imports of seafood products.

The study, which focused on the Balearic Islands, highlights the social and economic importance of SSF in the western Mediterranean and their close relationship with local cultural fabric. Under the direction of Dr. Silvia de Juan, the research team applied direct methods such as in-person questionnaires to fishermen in nine fishing ports and telephone surveys to consumers, to link the production of local fisheries with marine product consumption habits. The results reveal significant administrative barriers for fishermen in implementing sustainable strategies, such as fishing tourism and direct sales. Additionally, there was observed low consumption of local seafood products among consumers, mainly due to unfamiliarity with local species and the high price of these products, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

To overcome these challenges, researchers suggest a comprehensive approach including raising awareness about local species among consumers, controlling local prices, and promoting certified products. They also emphasize the importance of reducing bureaucracy and fostering active participation of SSF in decision-making related to fisheries management.

"The findings reveal an aging fishing sector, rooted in family traditions, currently constrained by an administrative framework that does not reflect current realities or the needs of coastal communities. These fisheries are time capsules, preserving fishing methods that are both sustainable and culturally significant. However, for these communities to not only survive but also thrive, it is essential that policies be updated to facilitate local innovation and foster collaboration between fishermen and modern markets. We need strategies that not only conserve these practices but also adapt them to the current socio-economic context, allowing these communities to transform their legacies into vehicles for sustainable livelihoods,"  Dr. Silvia de Juan.

Photo: Specimen of Coryphaena hippurus, commonly known in Mallorca as "llampuga" 

 "There is a significant disconnect between local fishing and consumption habits. While traditional species such as lobster, 'llampuga,' and cuttlefish are commonly caught, local consumption is dominated by imported species such as salmon, sea bream, and sea bass. This may indicate a lack of knowledge about local species and their benefits, or a preference for products perceived as more convenient or affordable, such as imported or farmed fish. These results underscore the importance of educating consumers about the benefits of buying and consuming local fish, which not only supports the local economy and sustainable fishing practices but also offers advantages in terms of freshness and nutritional value." Dr. Andrés Ospina-Alvarez.

The study in question lays out a clear path for the future of small-scale fisheries, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of fisheries policies to be more inclusive and support a transition to economically and environmentally sustainable practices. Additionally, it highlights opportunities for innovation and economic diversification, such as fishing tourism and direct sales, which could open new income streams for fishing communities. Fundamentally, the study underscores the critical importance of educating and sensitizing consumers about the value of local and sustainable seafood products, focusing on how these efforts can transform consumption habits and strengthen the local economy, thus ensuring a more promising future for traditional fisheries and the communities that depend on them.

Reference

A threatened heritage: Sustainable alternatives for Mediterranean small-scale fisheries

Silvia de Juan, Ana Ruiz-Frau , Sebastián Villasante , Andres Ospina-Alvarez