The ecosystem approach in the Gulf of Cadiz. A perspective from the southernmost European Atlantic regional sea

Abstract

This article considers the major events in recent history, current situation and prospects for developing an ecosystem-based style of management in the Gulf of Cadiz. This particular socio-ecosystem is characterised by a clear focal ecosystem component—the role of the estuary of the Guadalquivir River as a nursery area—that has an influence on the marine ecosystem and at the same time concentrates a number of sectoral human activities. This nursery role particularly concerns the anchovy fishery, which is the most economically and culturally important fishery in the region. As a transition zone between river and marine environments, estuaries are particularly sensitive to human activities, either directly developed within the aquatic environment and its surroundings or further upstream within its catchment area. The particularities of the Guadalquivir socio-ecosystem, with an area of influence that extends as far as the city of Seville, require the consideration of multiple sectors and the corresponding conflicting interests. These include the shipping and tourism sectors, the agriculture, aquaculture, salt and mining industries, and the fisheries and conservation interests. This article aims to give an overview of the high-level policy goals and the jurisdictional framework, scope the sectors involved and describe the pressures and risks of their activities. It will identify conflicting interests relating to different visions of the ecosystem as well as the institutional arrangements that could be used to balance them and finally, put forward a vision for using ecosystem-based information to improve multi-sectoral management decisions.