Priorities assessment in a marine protected area: The case of the Northeast of Mallorca

Globally, fishing has undergone significant transformations in recent decades, with further changes projected in response to social and environmental challenges. This study explores the prioritization of various local and global management measures aimed at ensuring the future sustainability of fisheries within the Llevant de Mallorca – Cala Ratjada Marine Protected Area (MPA), a marine reserve located in the northeastern part of Mallorca Island (Western Mediterranean) To this end, we used Q-method, a research technique used to study human subjectivity that combines qualitative and quantitative techniques to study individuals’ perceptions, opinions, or viewpoints on a specific topic. We identify and evaluate the primary discourses among key stakeholders, revealing three distinct perspectives encompassing different views on issues such as eliminating illegal practices, adapting European Union fisheries policies to local realities, increasing restrictions on trawling, promoting local consumption, and the significance of co-management. Furthermore, two points of consensus emerge across the discourses: (i) the necessity of decarbonizing the sector, and (ii) the importance of increasing public funding to support the employment of young fishers. However, both measures are perceived as low priorities. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating how Q method can be applied to assess local and global priorities in the context of potential MPA evolution, offering valuable insights for the development of integrative priority assessments. It underscores the diversity of perspectives within small fishing communities and highlights the critical need for democratic governance structures to ensure this diversity is represented and accounted for in public policy development.