Data: 2014-10-22 02:00 PM
Orador/Formador: João Pereira
Local: IPMA Algés Lisboa
Contacto email:
Contacto telefónico: 213027000
The Algarve small-scale octopus fishery involves the majority of the fishing communities in the area, represented by associations. The species generated an average 3375t annual landings in the area. A 42% mean difference in landings between consecutive years sparks periodic social unrest, but there is no trend for the last 41 years. The high first-sale value (frequently above €5/Kg) has led to widespread increase in (unreported) effort, which is not proportionately matched by increased returns. Fishers' unfulfilled hopes sprouted reasons unsupported by facts, and the resulting pressure generated erratic management policies which fed back on dissatisfaction creating antagonist factions. This study describes the process of political response to pressure along a 3-4 year period upon a surge of unrest following a 55% negative oscillation in production (2008-2009). It describes the management system proposed, and the reasons why a mismatch between objectives and results has ensued. It shows that this variable-supply/high-productivity system must be optimized by exploiting the resources’ potential through management of catch timing. The reasons why fishing at an apparently unsustainable effort level does not carry sustainability issues in practice are discussed, and a case against the establishment of TACs for this fishery is made.