Polychaete exploitation in Galicia (NW Spain): Challenges, advances, and pathways for sustainable resource management

Abstract

This study highlights the rise of polychaete fisheries, while also emphasises the challenges of managing them in a data-deficient context, which poses a threat to their sustainability. Taking advantage of the long history of polychaete harvesting in Galicia (NW Spain), a comprehensive review of various kinds of information spanning the past two decades —including regulatory measures, fishing statistics, and management strategies— was conducted. Data from NW Spain underline the need for accurate species identification and improved landing records. Also, they reveal significant gaps in biological and ecological knowledge that hinder the effective implementation of ecological indicators as mandated by recent European legislation. By detecting management shortcomings, this manuscript contributes to the dialogue on sustainable resource utilization, proposing enhancements for future resilience and sustainability of the Galician polychaete fishery. Indeed, this analysis not only deepens the understanding of regional fishing dynamics but also seeks to inform policy-making for the preservation of this critical resource.