ESPARDE

Effects of Spatial Displacement of Artisanal and Coastal Fishing Fleets Resulting from Marine Conservation and Planning

The project “ESPARDE – Effects of Spatial Displacement of Artisanal and Coastal Fishing Fleets Resulting from Marine Conservation and Planning” analyzes how marine protection and management measures influence the movements of artisanal and coastal fisheries in the Cantabrian Sea, as well as the sustainability of fishing communities.

Framed within the Pleamar 2025 Program, ESPARDE aims to improve understanding of the social, economic, and environmental effects arising from the relocation of small-scale fleets as a result of spatial restrictions in fishing grounds.

ESPARDE focuses on vessels based in Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, especially those operating in areas subject to current or future restrictions.

The initiative addresses one of the main challenges of current fisheries policy: how conservation measures modify fishing patterns and shape the activity of artisanal fleets.