Family Fishing and Environment: the Case of Xàbia in Spain

[EN] Traditional fishing on the Spanish Mediterranean coast is at a critical juncture. The sector is facing an environmental, economic and social crisis that is threatening its survival. Overexploitation of fish stocks, the fishing industry and increased costs are among the causes leading to the current situation (FAO, 2010).The different fishing policies have led to the imposition of an ever more restrictive and conservationist legislation, resulting from the desire to protect marine environment and ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry. However, in a sector which is very hostile to legislation, many of the measures are failing because they are difficult to implement and to monitor.