A tale of two coasts: Networks of artisanal boat skippers in a fishing reserve in the Gulf of Cádiz and a recreational port in Islas Baleares

Abstract

The distribution of fishermen by fishing zones is an element of internal differentiation of fishing communities, observed both in fishing reserves and in less regulated fishing environments. Two case studies were carried out in a Fishing Reserve in Chipiona (Gulf of Cádiz) and in a non-Reserve location in Sant Antoni de Portmany (Balearic Islands), based on a survey and a qualitative discussion forum with the boats skippers in each port. In each case, the network of strong ties between the boats skippers were analysed and their attitudes towards changes experienced by the fishing sector were evaluated. In Chipiona 40 boats skippers were interviewed, of which 21 also participated in the subsequent qualitative forum. In Sant Antoni de Portmany 16 skippers were interviewed, of whom 10 participated in the qualitative forum. The results showed that the artisanal fishermen of both ports have similar properties in the structure of their social networks, which is organized in groups by fishing zones. However, they differ in their attitudes towards the transformation of the fishing sector with the incorporation of tourism, heritage and environmental uses. Both the engine power of the vessel and competition for fishery resources contribute to distinct fishing strategies, between the areas near the port and the alternative fishing grounds. These factors affect the structure of social relations in the fishing community, regardless of the regulation of fishing zones. Nonetheless, the fishing reserve seems to be an important contribution in modifying the structure of economic and social incentives, which consequently affects community readiness to adopt new environmental protection measures. This type of research helps to understand that, despite the differences observed between varying fishing communities, there are basic processes of competition and cooperation that condition the internal structure of fishing groups that share fishing grounds.