socio-economic impacts of the common fisheries policy on south and central tyrrhenian sea (gsa 10) demersal trawl fisheries

Abstract

European and national fisheries policies aim at reverting toa sustainable exploitation of fish resources and to ensure the economic and social sustainability of fishing activities in the medium to long term (Art. 2 of Regulation [EU] No. 1380/2013). The aim of this study was to assess the socio-economic impact of national and European management measures, implemented in the past ten years, on demersal trawl fisheries in South and Central Tyrrhenian Sea (GSA 10). An effectiveness and efficiency evaluation was performed to establish whether the objectives of the management policies were achieved (effectiveness) and at what cost (efficiency). The economic and social effectiveness of the measures of the Italian management plans showed a limited performance, particularly in economic terms, due substantially to reduced landings, increased operating costs and reduced labour productivity. The efficiency assessment, which involved analysis of the results of the EU cohesion policy financed by the structural funds, demonstrated that despite the considerable financial out lay the measures failed to mitigate the economic and social impact of the Common Fisheries Policy.