Towards a multidimensional spatial approach to monitor geographical change in sustainable fisheries: A case study in the Campo de Cartagena-Mar Menor

Abstract

To enable more effective monitoring of sustainable development for meeting targets of the 2030 agenda, new methods of assessment is required to better understand the spatial variation in factors that contribute to its intrinsic goal: Improve or safeguard the human wellbeing. In this research, we take two fishing communities located in Campo de Cartagena-Mar Menor coast (Murcia, SE Spain) as case study. To understand how sustainable development can effectively promote wellbeing, we use a multidimensional spatial approach for monitoring social and environmental change to aid decision-making processes. To achieve this, two multidimensional indices was created to spatially explore the state across fishing communities following the sustainable livelihood framework and social wellbeing approach. Results indicate considerable spatial variability in the factor affecting peoplés wellbeing across the region studied. In addition, the impact of fishing policy on the protection and security of their livelihoods is variable. These findings indicate the need to evaluate the sustainable development of fisheries at appropriate levels of spatial aggregation.