Participatory-based bio-economic activity mapping of small-scale fisheries: towards holistic management in the Bay of Biscay

Abstract The main goal of this paper is to improve the understanding spatial distribution small-scale inshore fisheries (SSF) in coastal waters Bay Biscay. study used a participatory process, which fishers, regional administration, and researchers were involved supplying data. Displayed on 1-km2 grid, data for effort catch composition, variable costs, revenue, profits at each site show patterns SSF metier activities. This information indicates economic value fishing grounds cost reaching those areas, can reveal possible trade-offs more distant grounds. Trammelnet vessels are widely dispersed, following incentives, while longliners also demonstrate high mobility, using many sites, though incentive does not always lead benefits. A narrow expansion range with activity close area (trap, gillnet, trammelnet users) suggests that target-species stocks maintain their profitability even it lower than other fleets. Such helps develop holistic approach management multi-use region by increasing availability high-quality multidisciplinary geospatial data, currently short supply fleet.