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This study characterizes the small-scale fishery (SSF) of the oncoming Italian Marine Protected Area of Cape Milazzo in the western Mediterranean Sea and describes the recent evolution of SSF activities in the study area during recent years. Data on fishing activities, catch and effort were collected in 2006–2007 and 2014 and then compared. Information on fishermen perceptions about local fishery management and conflicts were collected by a questionnaire survey relating fisheries policies and regulations during 2012–2013. A substantial reduction of fleet (−27.5% of vessels) was recorded between the 2006–2007 and 2014. The use of fishing gears varied during season depending on fishing tactics, meteorological conditions and resource availability, particularly in the case of gregarious fish, as revealed by statistical analysis (e.g., small tunas, carangids and mackerels). A general increase in hake and cuttlefish CPUE during 2014 was recorded. However, the study highlighted a suffering status for local SSF, due to both the difficulty to apply a growing amount of rules and prohibitions and the conflicts with illegal and recreational fishing. The establishment of a Local Management Plan (LMP) in the area has been the first step for increasing the fight against illegal fishing as well as the management of fishing grounds. Furthermore, the establishment of a new MPA should take into account these results in order to develop appropriate management measures for environmental protection, also allowing for the maintenance of biologic, social and economic sustainability of artisanal fishing activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Artisanal or small-scale fishery represents an important share of the Mediterranean fishery, even if it has been poorly investigated until now. In order to improve the knowledge on this sector we studied the Aeolian fishery, with the following aims: (a) to characterize fishery and fishing activities together with their socio-economic aspects; (b) to provide baseline information on the Aeolian fishery to develop appropriate management measures; (c) to discuss the changes in this fishery as a consequence of the implementation of EC Regulation 1239/98 concerning the conversion of boats that used “spadara” driftnet targeting swordfish. The information was collected over the 2006–2007 period by means of interviews aimed at surveying fleet features, fishing gear used, catch and socio-economic data. Aeolian fishery is characterized by small polyvalent boats (n =157, ranging from 4.5 to 15.8m). The highest CPUE values were reported for Thunnus alalunga (50.62±25.79kg/1000 hooks*day) caught by albacore drifting longline in the fall season, Scorpaena scrofa (0.69±0.51kg/500m net*day) by trammel net in summer and Todarodes sagittatus (8.35±2.55kg/day) by squid hand-jig line in winter. The catch is traded in both the wholesale and the retail market. Since the “spadara” driftnet ban, this fishery has undergone changes that are still in progress and that are leading to a greater polyvalence and seasonality of fishing activities. The Aeolian fishery chain needs a new approach to promote the consumption of low-value species and the utilization of less exploited yet more abundant resources available in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]