Marine PolicyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106961
M. Masi , E.S. Marrocco , G. Yeter , Y. Vecchio , R. Sardaro , M. Raggi , F. Adinolfi
{"title":"Circular aquaculture: Unpacking views from farm to fork","authors":"M. Masi , E.S. Marrocco , G. Yeter , Y. Vecchio , R. Sardaro , M. Raggi , F. Adinolfi","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106961","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106961","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aquaculture sector holds strong potential to become a driving force in the blue transformation journey. As the push for sustainability intensifies, future development increasingly points toward models grounded in circular economy principles. However, the adoption of such models remains limited, hindered by the evolving nature of European aquaculture policy and the absence of a clear and consolidated vision of relevant strategies. Advancing circularity in aquaculture calls for a systemic rethinking of production and consumption models, supported by inclusive governance and multi-actor engagement. This study examines the perception of the most urgent circular strategies for advancing the blue transition of Italian aquaculture, providing the first multi-stakeholder analysis from “Farm to Fork”. The multicriteria approach enabled the construction of a shared yet differentiated hierarchy of strategies by integrating perspectives from across the value chain, including those of researchers, producers, policy and governance actors, and citizens. The findings revealed areas of alignment as well as divergence, illustrating how circularity is variously conceptualized and could be operationalized across the Italian aquaculture sector. Ensuring that blue policies effectively guide the transition towards more sustainable aquaculture models requires the establishment of a knowledge and innovation system capable of translating circular economy principles into socially accepted and context-sensitive actions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 106961"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145579925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fleet resilience under variations on fish size and fishing ground location: The Spanish anchovy fishery","authors":"Marga Andrés, Leire Ibaibarriaga, Naroa Aldanondo, Sonia Sánchez-Maroño, Iosu Paradinas, Oihane C. Basurko","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106955","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106955","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Small pelagic populations are highly susceptible to climate variability and environmental factors, and the fleets targeting them adapt to these changes with varying degrees of success. After the Bay of Biscay anchovy fishery closure in 2005, this fishery has faced changes in the spatial distribution and a reduction in anchovy body size, which affected the fleets targeting this species. The affection was assessed by analysing fishing ground’s location, profitability and energy efficiency. Fishing ground shifts were evaluated via centre of gravity of the catches. The source of the prices were first-sale notes, fuel efficiency was assessed combining catches and fuel consumption (estimated according to fleet travel distances), and margin contribution ratio was estimated to evaluate economic performance. The analysis reveals firstly, a westward shift in fishing grounds; secondly, a decline in the first-sale price of anchovy (53 % from 2013 to 2020); and thirdly, variations in fuel intensity use (reaching an increase of 150 %). These variations affected fleet segments of each region differently, and hence, their economic performance (up to a 67 % drop in margin contribution ratio). In light of these results, and in such a rapidly changing environment, the implementation of Individual Transferable Quotas could be an energy-efficient alternative to the traditional race-for-fish model. The Spanish fishing sector has adopted an intermediate approach—such as allocating quotas through Producer Organizations — to enable a better quota management at the regional level to improve the profitability of the fishery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 106955"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145528971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine PolicyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.107009
Laura Garcia , Josep Vila-Subirós , Josep Lloret , Rafael Sardá , Paul Wawrzynkowski
{"title":"Corrigendum to ‘Stakeholder mapping and early detection of tensions in offshore wind development: A press analysis in the Gulf of Roses and Cap de Creus (NW Mediterranean)’. [Marine Policy 185 (2026) 106978]","authors":"Laura Garcia , Josep Vila-Subirós , Josep Lloret , Rafael Sardá , Paul Wawrzynkowski","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.107009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.107009","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 107009"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine PolicyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106960
Eva Amorim , Michael Elliott
{"title":"‘Marine Space Oddities’ - overlapping conservation designations – do we need all the different local, national, regional and global categories?","authors":"Eva Amorim , Michael Elliott","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106960","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106960","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Marine nature conservation management is based on either defined areas or named species and/or habitats, i.e. those attributes termed conservation objectives. This has created many local, national, regional and global spatial designations, each of which needs to be defined and operationalised by criteria. This study analyses the criteria for eight international designations used to select marine areas of conservation importance. For the different designations, 39 individual criteria were reviewed, interpreted and grouped into 13 main criteria attributes. A multivariate cluster analysis then determined the similarity between designations according to the criteria attributes and the similarity in criteria according to the designations. This indicated redundancy and overlap in the selection criteria of the different designations used by marine management authorities, suggesting that streamlining or consolidating similar designations would enhance efficiency and reduce duplication of effort in marine conservation. This shows a notable flaw in the designations that most not only require a minimum of a single criterion irrespective of the total but that many designations are similar with only semantic differences. Finally, the paper suggests, for further testing, practical steps to enhance the integration of existing conservation designations and gives a comprehensive definition of what a complete conservation designation should include.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 106960"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine PolicyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106963
Jesus E. Argente-Garcia, Simona Caruso, Aurora Gonzalez-Vidal, Antonio F. Skarmeta
{"title":"Strengthening alliances for a sustainable blue economy and governance: Advancing the implementation of the SDGs in Murcia and Valencia Regions","authors":"Jesus E. Argente-Garcia, Simona Caruso, Aurora Gonzalez-Vidal, Antonio F. Skarmeta","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106963","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106963","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Translating the global ambitions of the “Decade of Oceans” into effective local action remains a key challenge, particularly in fostering participatory governance and resolving sectoral conflicts in coastal and marine areas. This study analyses the ”Strengthening Alliances” (SA) initiative, as a model of participatory governance for marine and coastal management, in the Spanish regions of Valencia and Murcia. These areas have historically experienced conflicts among sectors such as tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, nautical activities, and conservation, often exacerbated by fragmented administration and limited participation in governance processes. SA has built a stable and diverse network, promoting knowledge exchange, inclusive dialogue and collaborative conservation actions. It has helped mediate sectoral conflicts and support decision-making with innovative tools and transparent governance processes. Using longitudinal and statistical analyses of the information generated by 12 years of activity, the research categorizes SA contributions to conservation, its alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and examines stakeholder perceptions through a dedicated survey. Findings reveal that SA has catalyzed over 50 conservation projects, facilitated the adoption of digital tools, and mitigated inter-sectoral conflicts. Participants perceive significant benefits in collaboration, awareness-raising, and technological innovation. SA demonstrates how participatory networks can bridge sectoral gaps, foster trust and strengthen science–policy interfaces for effective and adaptive Blue Economy governance in both regions. However, further efforts are needed to secure stable funding, formal commitments and greater international reach to fully realize its potential and inform similar initiatives elsewhere.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 106963"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145579924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine PolicyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-22DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106968
Easton R. White , Alex Hearn , Nicolas Moity , Jorge Ramírez-González , Julia Saltzman , César Viteri-Mejía , Sarah Enright , María José Barragán-Paladines
{"title":"Industrial fishing compliance with a new marine corridor near the Galapagos Islands","authors":"Easton R. White , Alex Hearn , Nicolas Moity , Jorge Ramírez-González , Julia Saltzman , César Viteri-Mejía , Sarah Enright , María José Barragán-Paladines","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Quantifying fishing pressure in under-resourced marine regions remains a challenge to understanding the patterns and impacts of fishing. These issues are compounded in areas with complex marine zoning regulations or those that have changed over time. Here, we use satellite-based fishing vessel positioning to study industrial fishing effort in within Ecuador's Insular Exclusive Economic Zone (I-EEZ), which includes areas open to all fishing, the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) and the newly-established Hermandad Marine Reserve (HMR). From 2019–2023, we identified 145 large, industrial (non-artisanal) fishing vessels (910 gross tonnage on average) from 10 countries fishing within the I-EEZ outside the GMR. Eighty-seven percent of the fishing effort was accounted for by Ecuadorian vessels using tuna purse seines and drifting longlines in equal proportions, while the effort of foreign vessels was accounted for by tuna purse seines. In this time window, we observed 64,626 h of fishing within the I-EEZ. In addition, we studied the effect of a newly declared marine protected area (MPA) in 2022, known as the Hermandad Marine Reserve, which created an additional 60,000 square kilometers of protected area. We documented an 88 % decrease in fishing effort within the Hermandad Marine Reserve after its implementation. Collectively, our results highlight the wide range of fishing activities within and around the HMR marine protected area, especially for migratory marine megafauna.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 106968"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145579976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine PolicyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106976
Ángeles Jiménez García-Carriazo , Luis Miguel Rioja Gallo , Teresa Medialdea Cela , Luis Somoza Losada
{"title":"The ‘SoU’ must go on: Redefining the scope of the Bengal rule as an alternative to Article 76 of UNCLOS","authors":"Ángeles Jiménez García-Carriazo , Luis Miguel Rioja Gallo , Teresa Medialdea Cela , Luis Somoza Losada","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106976","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106976","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Statement of Understanding (SoU) emerged as an alternative method for delineating the outer limits of the continental shelf. To prevent inequities for States whose sediment accumulation extends hundreds of kilometers seaward but whose foot of slope lies unusually close to their baselines, Sri Lanka championed this initiative. Although originally intended for the Bay of Bengal, the mechanism has since been invoked by other States that consider themselves to meet the relevant geological criteria. In this context, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Spain (in relation to the Galicia region) have all relied on the SoU. The central issue, however, lies in its interpretation. The SoU is set out in only five paragraphs contained in Annex II of the Final Act of UNCLOS, providing States with a degree of discretion. Nevertheless, the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) applies its own interpretative approach. This paper offers a legal and technical examination of the conditions required for applying the SoU method. It analyzes the legal framework governing its use, highlighting the challenges that arise in practice. A central focus is the interpretative role of the CLCS. Given the absence of clear standards and the intricacies of individual submissions, this study critically evaluates how the CLCS has addressed the uncertainties surrounding the SoU method. The analysis is grounded in a detailed review of State submissions and the practice of the CLCS, offering insights into the Commission’s evolving interpretative approach and the implications for coastal States seeking to extend their continental shelf.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 106976"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine PolicyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106988
Rachel Bratton , Elizabeth Havice , Eric Wade
{"title":"Commercial and recreational fisher participation in marine fisheries management decision-making","authors":"Rachel Bratton , Elizabeth Havice , Eric Wade","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106988","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Public participation in decision-making is increasingly recognized as a pillar of marine fisheries reform, credited with improving the legitimacy of management systems and contributing to the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. However, participatory approaches have been incorporated into management systems more quickly than research has been conducted into their functionality. Globally, it is uncertain whether common mechanisms for public participation in decision-making facilitate participation that meets stated goals or commitments. Using a case study in North Carolina, USA, we conducted a large-scale survey of commercial and recreational fishers to quantify levels of participation in decision-making and examine factors influencing participation across both groups. Participation was infrequent among both samples, with respondents participating less often than once every few years, on average. Commercial fishers participated more often and were more highly motivated to participate than recreational fishers. Factors influencing participation in decision-making were nuanced, with stakeholder understanding of the management system emerging as the only factor significantly, positively correlated to participation for both samples. Among commercial fishers, membership in a fishing organization also emerged as a significant positive predictor of participation, though fewer than half of commercial fishers belonged to a fishing organization. These findings identify gaps in stakeholder participation in decision-making and provide fisheries managers with baseline information needed to increase participation for two key stakeholder groups. Our evaluation provides managers with a framework to evaluate participation in other contexts, which is needed to assess progress made toward stated goals for stakeholder participation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 106988"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine PolicyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-06DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.107000
Maurice Beseng
{"title":"Managing abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear in Cameroon's marine small-scale fisheries: Perspective of local ecological knowledge","authors":"Maurice Beseng","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.107000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.107000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Abandoned, Lost, or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) represents a significant global challenge due to its contribution to plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. This study examines the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers and state officials in Cameroon regarding the ALDFG–plastic pollution nexus, its causes and impacts, and how LEK influences their understanding and willingness to engage in sustainable gear management practices. Data were collected through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys of 41 fishers, a focus group discussion, interviews with state actors, and direct observations across four fishing communities in western maritime zone. Analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 29) and triangulated with themes from relevant secondary literature.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>reveal that the dependence on imported fishing gear significantly affects the availability and selection of durable gear among fishers. Both fishers and state officials’ awareness and concern about ALDFG’s role in plastic pollution are shaped by factors such as gear sourcing, duration of use, frequency of loss, and perceived community-level impacts. Notably, fishers expressed strong concerns about the influence of illegal fishing on the rate of gear loss, which in turn affects their willingness to participate in community-based recycling initiatives and their interest in receiving subsidies for biodegradable gear. To address these challenges, the study recommends a multifaceted approach including improved understanding of fishing gear supply chains, targeted awareness campaigns, regulatory and enforcement reforms, financial incentives for biodegradable gear, and the establishment of dedicated waste management systems for fishing gear.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 107000"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine PolicyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106990
Gabriella Gricius
{"title":"Desecuritizing the arctic: Maritime governance in the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage","authors":"Gabriella Gricius","doi":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Arctic maritime routes such as the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Northwest Passage (NWP) are often framed as geopolitical flashpoints in news media, yet states directly involved have largely avoided direct securitization. This article examines how Russia and Canada frame these passages in official discourse and policy, analyzing the dominance of desecuritization in their discursive approach. Drawing on a combination of discourse analysis and expert interviews, this paper finds a consistent pattern of desecuritization in both cases, albeit for different strategic reasons. While Russia emphasizes infrastructure and economic development, using technical language to legitimize control of the NSR, Canada, while occasionally invoking sovereignty and surveillance concerns, largely avoids confrontational rhetoric, especially with respect to its bilateral relationship with the United States. The paper argues that desecuritization serves as a form of strategic maritime governance that minimizes external scrutiny while asserting legal claims. These findings challenge assumptions about Arctic militarization and contribute to broader debates about how states manage maritime spaces under shifting environmental and geopolitical conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48427,"journal":{"name":"Marine Policy","volume":"185 ","pages":"Article 106990"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}