Special Issue "Maritime Spatial Planning for Sustainable Fisheries"

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 December 2021.

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Luca Bolognini
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Research Council (CNR) – Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), Ancona 60125, 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

Special Issue Information

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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

Article
AIS and VMS Ensemble Can Address Data Gaps on Fisheries for Marine Spatial Planning
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3769; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073769 - 29 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 851
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) [...] Read more.
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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Article
Ecosystem-Based MSP for Enhanced Fisheries Sustainability: An Example from the Northern Adriatic (Chioggia—Venice and Rovigo, Italy)
Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1211; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031211 - 24 Jan 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1484
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, [...] Read more.
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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Article
Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture Activities in the Atlantic Coast of the Portuguese North Region: Multi-Stakeholder Views as a Tool for Maritime Spatial Planning
Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020663 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 580
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 [...] Read more.
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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