Managing sustainability and efficiency: market and non-market value approaches in Mediterranean fisheries

This thesis contributes to natural resource management in Mediterranean fisheries by integrating market and non-market value perspectives, linking environmental and economic analyses. It emphasizes the necessity of quantifying the entirety of fisheries values while stressing the importance of efficient, sustainable resource management. The first chapter scrutinizes the effectiveness of Fisheries Local Action Groups in steering sustainable development in maritime areas. Reviewing previous studies through the lens of Porter’s Diamond, we explore how FLAGs influence coastal community competitiveness. The findings underscore potential implications for the adoption of Community-Led Local Development strategies, particularly within the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund framework for 2021-2027. The second chapter investigates the economic externality created by small-scale fishing ports. Using a travel cost approach, we assess the value that visitors place on recreational activities offered by these ports. Unveiling substantial consumer surplus from artisanal ports, this chapter highlights the potential of diversifying income sources for coastal communities and advocates for small-scale fishery sector support. The third chapter focuses on vessels efficiency in the rapido fishery of Chioggia through stochastic frontier analysis and catch profile examination. By identifying fishing strategies with optimal performance in terms of revenue generation and carbon footprint, this chapter aims to improve efficiency in one of the most problematic segments of the Adriatic Sea’s large-scale fleet. Lastly, the fourth chapter extends the efficiency analysis by investigating price formation, seasonality effects, and price-quantity relationships for primary species targeted by rapido vessels. Examining fishers' tendencies towards revenue maximization, this chapter seeks to provide insights for fisheries management, emphasizing the need for adaptable approaches in the Mediterranean context. Overall, this thesis aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the adaptability and flexibility required in managing Mediterranean fisheries, recommending more nuanced and responsive strategies in the face of dynamic market conditions and environmental challenges.