Sustainable Management Plans in Fisheries and Genetic Tools: An Overview of the Challenge in Invertebrates’ Fisheries at the Central Area of the Southern Bay of Biscay, Spain

Abstract

The fishing and aquaculture sectors are an important source of development around the globe. In Asturias (Spain), the diversity and richness of the fishing grounds of the Cantabrian Sea favored the historical settlement of a large number of communities closely linked to the marine environment and fishing resources, forming an integral part of the region’s cultural and natural heritage. However, aquatic ecosystems are facing, nowadays, important threats from anthropogenic activities. To address these problems and avoid their impact on fishing activities, it is essential to know the ecological and genetic status of the species. Despite this, the application of genetic tools is still incipient in many species of commercial interest; however, its use can help to generate data that allow better regulation and fisheries planning. Here, the use of genetic markers and educational strategies in the management of some shellfish species of great commercial and cultural value in Asturias are reviewed. Moving toward sustainable fisheries management is a priority that can only be achieved through R + D + i, educational strategies, and the development and implementation of a regional strategy oriented toward the sustainable management and exploitation.