2030 Maritime Strategy of Catalonia. 2018-2021 Strategic Plan

2030 Maritime Strategy of Catalonia

2018-2021 Strategic Plan

2030 Maritime Strategy of Catalonia Title: Maritime Strategy of Catalonia – 2018-2021 Strategic Plan

1st edition: November 2018 Web:http://agricultura.gencat.cat/ca/departament/dar_plans_programes_sectorials/politica-maritima/programa-accio-maritima/

This document is the translation of the original one in Catalan approved by the Government of Catalonia on June 12th, 2018

Cover photo: Alamy. Section of the Catalan Atlas attributed to Abraham Cresques and Jafudà Cresques circa 1375-1380

Interior photos: DGPAM, Shutterstock, Mairena Rivas, Òscar Sagué Pla

LD: B 27093-2018

COORDINATION: Maritime Action Programme Directorate-General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs – DGPAM Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food [email protected]

Printed in Catalonia on certified FSC® and PEFCTM paper 2030 Maritime Strategy of Catalonia

2018-2021 Strategic Plan

2030 Maritime Strategy of Catalonia

2018-2021 Strategic Plan

LIST OF ACRONYMS �� 8 2018-2030 Strategic goals �� 48 1.1. A strong, modern and properly dimensioned maritime sector, based on knowledge �� 49 GLOSSARY �� 10 1.2. A modern and sustainable maritime tourism �� 51 1.3. A competitive fishing sector committed to bioeconomic management �� 55 INTRODUCTION �� 13 1.4. A sustainable aquaculture that fully benefits from catalonia’s potential �� 61 1.5. A new recreational fishing model that respects the environment �� 69 2030 VISION �� 14 1.6. Maritime recreational and sporting activities with low environmental impact that stimulate the economy �� 66 APPROACH �� 14 1.7. A sustainable shipbuilding and repair industry �� 71 1.8. Development of offshore wind energy �� 72 SCOPE OF THE EMC �� 14 1.9. Development of catalonia’s marine biotechnology potential �� 73 SCOPE OF ACTION 2: GOVERNANCE OF THE EMC �� 14 RESILIENT AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL MARINE ECOSYSTEMS �� 74 2018-2030 Strategic goals �� 75 �� 17 INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT 2.1. Preserved, diverse and fully functional marine ecosystems that guarantee OCEAN GOVERNANCE �� 18 the provision of services to society �� 75 THE BLUE ECONOMY �� 22 2.2. A significant contribution to combating climate change in the maritime THE MARITIME SECTORS �� 26 environment, and an effective management of its impacts �� 83 Maritime tourism �� 28 SCOPE OF ACTION 3: Professional fishing �� 29 IMPROVEMENT OF CITIZENS’ QUALITY OF LIFE �� 88 Aquaculture �� 29 2018-2030 Strategic goals �� 89 Recreational fishing �� 30 3.1. A society close to the sea and the maritime activities �� 90 Maritime recreational and sporting activities �� 31 3.2. A rooted local and social economy in the maritime sectors �� 91 Shipbuilding �� 32 3.3. Social recognition of the role of women in the maritime scope and fostering Offshore wind energy �� 32 their involvement in the sectors �� 92 Marine biotechnology �� 33 SCOPE OF ACTION 4: CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY �� 34 CLIMATE CHANGE �� 38 AN INNOVATIVE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK TO DRIVE THE STRATEGY WOMEN IN THE MARITIME SECTOR �� 40 AND GUARANTEE ITS OPERABILITY �� 96 2018-2030 Strategic goals �� 97 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES �� 42 4.1. Fully developed and consolidated innovative management and co-management participation mechanisms �� 97 STRUCTURE OF THE 2030 MARITIME 4.2. Excellence in scientific advice for management ��101 STRATEGY OF CATALONIA �� 43 4.3. Use of maritime spatial planning as a tool to achieve an integrated maritime policy ��102 SCOPES OF ACTION �� 45 SCOPE OF ACTION 1: SCOPES OF ACTION, STRATEGIC GOALS AND STRATEGIC SUSTAINABLE, INTEGRATED AND HARMONIOUS DEVELOPMENT OF THE BLUE COURSES OF ACTION OF THE 2018- 2021 STRATEGIC ECONOMY THAT RESPECTS THE HUMAN USES OF THE SEA �� 46 PLAN ��105 8

LIST OF ACRONYMS

BSC-CNS Barcelona Supercomputing EPNB Natural Heritage and LIMSCAT Laboratory of Sustainable Centre Biodiversity Strategy Maritime Initiatives CASC Underwater Archaeology ERDF European Regional of Catalonia Centre of Catalonia Development Fund MAP Mediterranean Action Plan CBD Convention on Biological ESF European Social Fund MSFD Marine Strategy Framework Diversity EU European Union Directive CCCM Catalan Maritime Co- FAO Food and Agriculture PGS Artisanal Seine Fishing management Council Organization of the United Management Plan CERCA Research Centres of Nations PNTE Catalan Agreement for Energy Catalonia FLAG Fisheries Local Action Group Transition CLLD Community-led Local GFCM General Fisheries Commission PO Producer Organisation Development for the Mediterranean REM Special Social Security CMAS World Underwater Federation ICATMAR Catalan Institute for Ocean Scheme for Sea Workers CPMR Conference of Peripheral Governance Research SCA Strategic Course of Action Maritime Regions ICRPC Catalan Institute for Cultural SCI Site of Community CSIC Spanish National Research Heritage Research Importance (Natura 2000) Council ICZM Integrated Coastal Zone SDG Sustainable Development DARP Ministry of Agriculture, Management in the Goal Livestock, Fisheries and Food Mediterranean (2008) SES Secondary Education School DG MARE Directorate-General for IMO International Maritime SG Strategic Goal Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Organization SGR Research groups recognised of the European Commission IMP Integrated Maritime Policy in Catalonia DGPAM Directorate-General for IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on SPA Special Protection Area Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Climate Change (Natura 2000) of the DARP IREC Catalan Institute for Energy SPAMI Specially Protected Areas EFSI European Fund for Strategic Research of Mediterranean Importance Investments ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global STCW International Convention EIB European Investment Bank Health on Standards of Training, EMC Maritime Strategy of Catalonia ISO International Organization Certification and EMFF European Maritime for Standardization Watchkeeping for Seafarers and Fisheries Fund CN International Union UfM Union for the Mediterranean ENMC European Network for the Conservation UNCLOS United Nations Convention of Maritime Clusters of Nature on the Law of the Sea 9

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNWTO World Tourism Organization XIOM Network of Oceanographic and Meteorological Instruments of Catalonia XRAq Reference Network for Research and Development and Innovation in Aquaculture of the Government of Catalonia 10

GLOSSARY

Banana boating1: Recreational activity Maritime tourism2: Maritime tourism (discipline governed by the Catalan that consists of riding an inflatable covers predominantly water-based Sailing Federation (FCV). watercraft towed by a motorboat. activities, e.g. sailing and nautical sports (often carried out in coastal waters) and Sea kayaking1: Variety of canoeing Fish tourism: Complementary cruising, where marine regions such as practised in coastal waters. professional fishing activity that consists the Mediterranean or Baltic can be of extractive fishing or demonstration covered over the course of a week’s Ship registries3 – One: platforms for fishing on board fishing boats by holiday. the extraction of products from marine professionals for economic subsoil, emergency tug vessels, and compensation, aimed at revitalising and Parasailing1: Sport in which a vessels to support and supply these disseminating the sector’s activities and rectangular canopy is used to carry the platforms when not included in another products, as well as marine culture, practitioner into the air to glide while registry; two: domestic or imported customs, traditions and heritage. being towed by a vessel, usually a vessels for the maritime transportation motorboat. of passengers, goods or both; three: Fishing and aquaculture tourism: domestic or imported vessels used to Complementary activity of professional Powerboating1: The use of motorboats catch fish and other living marine fishing that is carried out at locations for sport (discipline regulated by the resources for commercial purposes; other than on board fishing boats by Catalan Federation of Powerboating four: fishing support vessels, aquaculture professionals for economic (FCM)). support vessels and vessels used for the compensation, aimed at revitalising and cultivation or enclosure of marine species; disseminating the sector’s activities and Rowing1: Sport consisting of navigating five:tugboats and naval vessels used for products, as well as marine culture, in vessels powered by oars (discipline port, inlet and bay services; six: pleasure customs, traditions and heritage. governed by the Catalan Rowing or recreational watercraft used for Federation (FCR)). commercial purposes; seven: domestic Kitesurfing1: Water sport that consists of or imported vessels of any type riding a surfboard pulled along by a large Sailing1: Water sport that consists of exclusively used for non-commercial kite. navigating in vessels powered by sails sport or non-professional fishing; eight:

1 According to annex 1 to Decree 56/2003, of 20 February, regulating physical sports in the natural environment.

2 Definition of a European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism. https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/docs/body/coastal-and-maritime-tourism_en.pdf

3 According to Royal Decree 1027/1989, of 28 of July, on ship flagging and registration and ship registries. 11

vessels and watercraft that belong to towed by a motorboat (discipline public bodies on a national, regional or governed by the Catalan Federation of local level, and nine or the Provisional Water Skiing (FECDAS)).

Registry: vessels or watercraft under Windsurfing1: Water sport that consists construction from the time that said of navigating on a board with a sail construction is authorised, except (discipline governed by the Catalan recreational watercraft built in a series Sailing Federation –(FCV)). production process, with the corresponding authorisation.

Surfing and paddle surfing1: Water sports that consist of riding the crest of large waves on a board.

Sustainable tourism4: Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.

Wakeboarding1: Sport that consists of riding a board on a body of water while being towed by a motorboat (discipline governed by the Catalan Federation of Water Skiing (FECDAS)).

Water skiing1: Sport that consists of skiing on a body of water while being

4 Definition according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). http://sdt.unwto.org/content/about-us-5

INTRODUCTION

In December 2016, a Government As indicated in the Government Agree- gramme’s framework. Catalonia is to- Agreement was approved regarding the ment, the Directorate- General for Fish- day a medium-sized maritime power in creation of the Maritime Action Pro- eries and Maritime Affairs (DGPAM) of the Euro-Mediterranean region, but until gramme of the Government of Catalonia the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, now it has not been equipped with the with the aim of establishing, over the Fisheries and Food (DARP) is responsi- elements necessary to create an inte- course of the following two years, a mar- ble for the Maritime Action Programme grated maritime policy in line with its sit- itime policy to meet the challenges of de- of Catalonia. This Maritime Strategy of uation. Moreover, the Catalan govern- veloping the blue economy in a sustaina- Catalonia (EMC) responds to one of the ment’s aim is to be proactive in relation ble and harmonious manner through the commitments forged within the Pro- to key strategic processes within the integrated management of framework of the European sectoral activities that have an Union (EU), such as the appli- impact on Catalonia’s mari- THE OBJECTIVE OF THE MARITIME ACTION cation of the Directive on time space. The Programme PROGRAMME OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CATALONIA maritime spatial planning and also covers the development IS TO ESTABLISH A MARITIME POLICY THAT the WestMED Initiative, which of a modern and efficient gov- CONSIDERS ALL ACTIVITIES THAT HAVE AN IMPACT develops a sub-regional mar- ernance system for the new ON CATALAN MARITIME SPACE itime strategy for the Western maritime policy. Mediterranean. 14

GOVERNANCE OF THE EMC 2030 VISION A modern integrated maritime policy must contemplate the Catalonia fully develops the potential of the blue economy joint and integrated management both of the sectoral activi- of its maritime space, guaranteeing social and territorial ties in the maritime scope and their associated environmental balance, based on resilient, biodiverse and fully functional challenges and aspire to achieve sustainable economic ecosystems that generate the highest quality services for growth with clear benefits for society. In this context, the ad- society. aptation of this strategy and its implementation and assessment will require a specific governance mechanism to guarantee its efficacy. This approach requires a new governance model that is capable of meeting such substantial challenges and has led to the APPROACH design of one of the scopes of action of this strategy: ‘An innovative governance framework to drive the strategy and guarantee its operability’ (Scope of Action 4). The principles that have guided the development of the EMC One of the pillars of this new governance model is represented are based on an approach that: by the Catalan Maritime Co-management Council (CCCM), • integrates the space and the activities that it sustains; which will be the organ that validates, monitors and adapts the • is participatory and community-led; EMC. One of the Strategic Courses of Action (SCAs) of Scope • is flexible and knowledge-based, and 4 of this EMC is the design of the architecture and operational • is in line with the concept of social economy. mechanisms of the aforementioned CCCM. This newly created body must enable the participation of the actors in the definition, development and execution of maritime policies, shar- SCOPE OF THE EMC ing responsibility with the government, as a mechanism to encourage socio-economic development in the maritime space and guarantee the maintenance of ecosystem services The scope of the EMC covers all activities that are related to that are essential to the future of this development, such as Catalonia’s maritime space, including economic sectors, lei- fishing, aquaculture, recreational maritime activities and tour- sure, culture and research, as well as their economic, social ism, among others. Therefore, the CCCM will be the body re- and environmental sustainability. This excludes the transporta- sponsible for reviewing and adapting the EMC and also for its tion of goods and passengers and the port and logistics implementation and monitoring. scopes, as they are already subject to their own strategic plan- All sectors directly linked to the marine environment and di- ning, although, where necessary, they will be considered in rectly affected by the management of sectoral activities in the actions that require a fully integrated vision (e.g. maritime spa- maritime scope will form part of the CCCM. One of the pillars tial planning), especially within the framework of future revi- of the Council will be the scientific community, through the par- sions of the EMC by the Catalan Maritime Co-management ticipation of representatives of leading marine and maritime Council (CCCM). research bodies. The challenge of integrated management 15

The central function of the new CCCM is, therefore, the co- processes. Accordingly, the Programme has prepared an initial management of the new EMC by all the public and private working strategy that reflects the internal consensus of the various maritime agents of Catalonia through an open process that is bodies of the Government of Catalonia, including an initial subject to the continual review and multi-year strategic plan for 2018 to adaptive readjustment of both the 2021. The Strategy is to be reviewed in content of the Strategy, that is its depth and potentially adapted by the Strategic Goals (SGs), and the Strategic CCCM as soon as this new body is Courses of Action (SCAs) included in the operational. In this sense, the multi-year strategic plans. In this context, participatory consultation process is a CCCM the Maritime Action Programme of the fundamental and defining trait of the Government of Catalonia, created by Strategy as it will be subject to continual Government Agreement on 13 EMC Co-management consultation and review within a December 2016, has been working in co-management structure. The initial recent months on the design of a review undertaken by the CCCM will strategy proposal (this document) that cover each and every one of the SCAs integrates the aforementioned new proposed in the 2018-2021 multi-year Maritime framework of governance in its very Administration strategic plan and may establish, where preparation and processing. This applicable, their level of prioritisation, the specifically means that the planned actors involved and their leadership, public participation process is different potential sources of funding, and to that followed in other similar application and development indicators.

within a framework of sustainable growth, while guaranteeing the necessary reciprocal coherence and the generation of syn- the functionality of the ecosystems to provide the ecosystem ergies between the two strategies adopted by the govern- services upon which the blue economy depends, must be ment. Accordingly, the specific Coordination Board, made up suitably supported by interdisciplinary scientific knowledge. of the ministry responsible for the conservation of natural her- Representatives of interested economic sectors, civil society itage and biodiversity, and the ministry responsible for agricul- and all government ministries with scopes that affect the mature, livestock, rural development, fishing and maritime affairs, rine environment and general maritime activity will also form established within the framework of the Natural Heritage and part of the CCCM. Biodiversity Strategy (EPNB), will cover all bilateral matters in Finally, it should be stated that the EMC has been developed relation to the EMC that concern the conservation of natural in parallel with the 2030 Natural Heritage and Biodiversity heritage and biodiversity. Strategy of Catalonia, with which it shares diagnoses and strategic courses of action in relation to the scope of nature conservation and the protection of the marine environment and biodiversity. This work has been undertaken jointly to ensure

International context

OCEAN GOVERNANCE...... 18 THE BLUE ECONOMY...... 22 THE MARITIME SECTORS...... 26 Maritime tourism...... 28 Professional fishing...... 29 Aquaculture...... 29 Recreational fishing...... 30 Maritime recreational and sporting activities...... 31 Shipbuilding...... 32 Offshore wind energy...... 32 Marine biotechnology...... 33 CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY...... 34 CLIMATE CHANGE...... 38 WOMEN IN THE MARITIME SECTOR...... 40 Ocean governance

Ocean governance 19

On the global scale, consensus on the fact tential of the European maritime scope by strengthening the that the marine environment and human ability of European policies to trigger it, while protecting bio- maritime activities must be managed in a diversity and the marine environment in accordance with the coordinated and integrated manner to pro- requirements of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive vide a solution to the pressures suffered by (MSFD). the oceans is overwhelming. The interna- Within this framework, the Integrated Maritime Policy consid- tional legal framework that regulates activi- ers sea basin strategies to be the instruments to develop ties that take place in the world’s oceans and seas is the Unit- these priorities, without the need to create new structures or edA Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of funding initiatives. In November 2009, the European Council 1982. This framework, although it offers a set of regulations fostered the development of integrated strategies for sea ba- and principles, is heterogeneous, is not coordinated and does sins, provided that they add value. not guarantee the sustainable management of the oceans. Through the Union for the Mediterranean’s6 (UfM7) ministerial From these conclusions, in 2016 the EU adopted the Joint declaration in 2015 regarding the blue economy, the ministers Communication on international ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans5. This communication proposes fourteen sets of actions in three priority scopes: improving the international ocean governance framework; reducing pressure THE OBJECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION’S on oceans and seas and creating the conditions for a suitable INTEGRATED MARITIME POLICY (IMP) IS TO blue economy; and strengthening international ocean research PROVIDE A MORE COHERENT AND INTEGRATED and data. APPROACH TO MARITIME ISSUES THROUGH Additionally, the European Union has made significant pro- INCREASED COORDINATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT gress in this scope. Since 2007 it has been implementing the POLICY AREAS INVOLVED Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP), whose aim is to provide a more coherent approach to maritime issues, with increased coordination between different policy areas. For the maritime scope to contribute to meeting the objec- in the Mediterranean committed to focusing coordination and tives of the 2020 European strategy for smart, sustainable collaboration in order to improve maritime governance of the and inclusive growth, in 2012 the IMP adopted blue growth, Mediterranean and to create favourable conditions for the de- or opportunities for sustainable maritime growth, as a priori- velopment of the blue economy. It was agreed that the Secre- ty. This approach has placed emphasis on the growth po- tariat of the UfM should promote regional dialogue on sustain-

5 Joint communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans join (2016) 49 final https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/join-2016-49_en.pdf

6 Declaration of the Union for the Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on Blue Economy, 17 November 2015 http://ufmsecretariat.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2015-11-17-declaration-on-blue-economy_en.pdf

7 Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is an intergovernmental organisation made up of the 28 Member States of the EU and 15 countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. 20 International context

Participatory process at which representatives from the trawling fishing industry, scientists and officials from the Directorate General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs discuss ways of meeting future challenges and design an action plan.

able blue economy issues and coordinate sectoral maritime WestMED Initiative, published by the European Commission in policies. In 2016 this led the five Member States of the EU April 2017 and drafted in cooperation with the countries in- (France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Malta) and the five partner volved and the Secretariat of the UfM8. countries from the southern shore (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR9), to Morocco and Tunisia) that are the members of the 5+5 Dia- which Catalonia belongs, has significantly contributed to the logue, to promote the development of an initiative to develop consolidation of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy and con- the blue economy in the Western Mediterranean in conjunction tinue working to strengthen its governance and blue growth with the Secretariat of the UfM and led by the Directorate-Gen- strategies. Through its Intermediterranean Commission, it has eral for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Com- also actively participated in the development of the WestMED mission (DG MARE). The response to this request is the Initiative.

8 Initiative for the sustainable development of the blue economy in the western Mediterranean COM(2017) 183 final https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/com-2017-183_en.pdf

9 The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions brings together 160 regions in 25 states from the European Union and beyond, representing approximately 200 million people. Ocean governance 21

THE WESTMED INITIATIVE The aim of this initiative is to foster collaboration between the Western Mediterranean countries of the EU and their neighbours to the south on three fundamental objectives: achieve (i) a safer and more secure maritime space, (ii) a smart and resilient blue economy, and (iii) better governance of the seas.

THE WESTMED INITIATIVE WILL FOCUS ON THREE MAIN OBJECTIVES: A SAFER AND MORE SECURE MARITIME SPACE, A SMART AND RESILIENT BLUE ECONOMY, AND BETTER GOVERNANCE OF THE SEAS

The political coordination of the WestMED Initiative will be the responsibility of the UfM, while its operational coordination will be assured by means of a WestMED Initiative task force associated with the UfM’s Working Group on the Blue Economy, Flags fly over the European Kirchberg Plateau district in Luxembourg. which will include national focus points, the European Com- mission and the Secretariat of the UfM. Stakeholders will also be involved in the development and implementation of the Ini- tiative. communities through bottom-up approaches like those in the With regard to improving the governance of the seas, the Initi- framework of Community-led Local Development initiatives. ative establishes, from an integrated, strategic and multi-level The WestMED Initiative is key to the sustainable development perspective, four priorities related to: spatial planning, knowl- of the blue economy in the Western Mediterranean, given that edge, conservation of biodiversity and fishing sustainability in it guarantees the coordination and cooperation of the sub-re- conjunction with the development of local communities. The gion’s relevant actors and/or processes: regional dialogue on actions proposed to achieve this objective that are most rele- the Maritime and Blue Economy Policy within the UfM; the vant to this Strategy are those related to the implementation of General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) the Directive on Maritime Spatial Planning, the removal of main issues related to the Catania process (see the section on rine litter, invasive species, fishing management through mul- fishing) and the management of fishing and aquaculture in ti-year management plans, good practices in the commercial- general; and the Barcelona Convention in issues related to the isation of fishing products and the generation of added value, protection of the marine environment and sustainable devel- and the diversification of the economic activities of coastal opment. The blue economy

The blue economy 23

he diverse interests, activities and policies a specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for seas and related to the marine environment make it oceans (SDG 14: Conserve and sustainable use the oceans, necessary to overcome the sectoral break- seas and marine resources). The EU has committed to adopt- down of knowledge and skills and treat them ing this approach and translating this objective into policies on in an integrated and transversal manner. This the improvement of the management of the oceans, while re- is the objective of the European Union’s Inte- ducing human pressures and increasing investment in sci- grated Maritime Policy (IMP)10, which was ence. This must guarantee that marine resources are used in a promulgated in 2007 to provide a more coherent approach to sustainable manner to achieve healthy marine ecosystems Tmaritime management through greater coordination between and a strong blue economy. The Government of Catalonia is the various sectoral policies involved. This is why it focuses on currently developing an ambitious but grounded Agenda for transversal policies like the one known as Blue Growth. Sustainable Development Goals in Catalonia. The EU defines Blue Growth as a long-term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors as a whole. It is the Integrated Maritime Policy’s contribution to achieving the 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclu- THE EU DEFINES BLUE GROWTH AS A LONG-TERM 11 sive growth. STRATEGY TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN Within the context of the intensification and diversification of THE MARINE AND MARITIME SECTORS AS A WHOLE. economic uses, the objective of blue growth or the blue econ- IT IS THE INTEGRATED MARITIME POLICY’S omy is to produce development in a logical manner and for CONTRIBUTION TO ACHIEVING THE 2020 STRATEGY growth as a whole to be balanced and harmonious. It is nec- FOR SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE essary to ensure that maritime economic development leads GROWTH to a sustainable and competitive blue economy. General consensus on the idea of Blue Growth has led it be included in the international policy agenda. At the United Na- tions Conference on Environment and Development held in The EU recognises the importance of the seas and oceans as June 2012, twenty years after the historic Earth Summit held the European economy’s engines due to their great potential in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the conservation and sustainable for innovation and economic prosperity. It is calculated that in use of the oceans was covered for the first time, along with the the EU there are some 5 million people currently working in world’s highest priority sustainability issues. Subsequently, in blue economy sectors and that there is great potential for September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly growth and, therefore, the creation of jobs. In 2012, the Euro- adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with pean Commission formulated its Blue Growth Strategy to de-

10 https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/policy_en

11 EUROPA 2020: a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/En/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52010DC2020&from=En 24 International context

Within the framework of the WestMED Initiative for the Sus- tainable Development of the Blue Economy in the Western United Nations Sustainable Mediterranean, the four priorities identified for the aforemen- Development Goals tioned goal of achieving a ‘resilient and smart blue economy’ (2030 Agenda) are: strategic research and innovation, the development of maritime clusters, training, and sustainable consumption and production, covering four sectors: maritime transport, ports, SDG 14: Conserve and sustainable use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. coastal and maritime tourism and marine aquaculture.

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S BLUE GROWTH velop the potential of European oceans, seas and coasts for STRATEGY IDENTIFIES FIVE SECTORS ON WHICH TO 12 growth and employment . The objective of the Blue Growth FOCUS GROWTH EFFORTS: OCEAN ENERGY, Strategy was to foster smart, sustainable and inclusive growth AQUACULTURE, MARITIME TOURISM, BLUE and to create employment opportunities in Europe’s maritime BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MARINE MINERAL economy. This Strategy identifies five sectors on which to fo- RESOURCES cus growth efforts: ocean energy, aquaculture, maritime tourism, blue biotechnology and marine mineral resources. The Strategy was approved in October from 2012 at ministerial level through the Limassol Declaration13 . Subsequently, in The EMC aims to support, from an integrated strategic per- 2014, the Commission issued a communication on innovation spective, the development of the various activities that take in the blue economy14. A recent Commission Report on the place in Catalonia’s maritime space and, consequently, con- Blue Growth Strategy towards more sustainable growth and tribute to the implementation of the WestMED Initiative by inte- jobs in the blue economy, examines what has been learnt and grating the various maritime sectors and scopes in a strategic, achieved since 2012, what is under way and what still needs governance framework, to achieve the sustainable and robust to be done15. development of the blue economy by 2030.

12 Blue Growth – Opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth, COM(2012) 494 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0494:FIN:EN:PDF

13 Declaration of the European Ministers responsible for the Integrated Maritime Policy and the European Commission, on a Marine and Maritime Agenda for growth and jobs the ‘Limassol Declaration’ https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/docs/body/limassol_en.pdf

14 ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’, COM(2014)0254 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52014DC0254R(01)&from=ES

15 15 Report on the Blue Growth Strategy Towards more sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy, SWD(2017) 128 final https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/swd-2017-128_en.pdf The blue economy 25

Sea cages for European bass at Roses. The maritime sectors

The maritime sectors 27

To develop this strategy, six critical economic sectors with sig- Catalonia’s maritime space have been identified: maritime nificant history and presence in the area, as well as the poten- tourism, professional fishing, aquaculture, recreational fishing, tial to decisively contribute to developing the blue economy in recreational and sporting maritime activities, and shipbuilding;

EU BLUE GROWTH STRATEGY AREAS WESTMED INITIATIVE (2017)17 EMC (2017) (2012)16 X Maritime tourism X (2.4 Sustainable consumption X and production)* X Professional fishing - (3.4 Sustainable fisheries and X coastal community development)** X Aquaculture X (2.4 Sustainable consumption X and production)* Recreational fishing - - X X Maritime recreational and sporting X (2.4 Sustainable consumption X activities (as part of maritime tourism) and production)* Shipbuilding - - X X X Renewable energies X (2.1 Strategic research (Wind energy) and innovation)* X Marine biotechnology X (2.1 Strategic research X and innovation)* X X Clusters - (2.2. Maritime cluster (Specific SCA) development)* X Marine mineral resources X (2.1 Strategic research - and innovation)* X Maritime transport - (2.4 Sustainable consumption - and production)* X Ports - (2.4 Sustainable consumption - and production)*

Table 1: Priorities established by the EU’s Blue Growth Strategy, the WestMED Initiative and this EMC. * Priority of Goal 2 (A smart and resilient blue economy) ** Priority of Goal 3 (Better governance of the seas)

16 Blue Growth – Opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth, COM(2012) 494 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0494:FIN:EN:PDF 17 A European strategy for increased growth and employment in coastal and maritime tourism, COM(2014) 86 final https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/docs/body/com_2014_86_en.pdf 28 International context

and two emerging sectors: offshore wind energy and marine this scope. However, it is a sector that often presents high biotechnology. seasonality, little visibility and a lack of suitable product diver- It is difficult to compare the priorities identified to strengthen sification and training. In the promotion of maritime tourism, the development of the blue economy in the three strategies: the European Commission has decided to commit to mari- the EU’s Blue Growth Strategy, the WestMED Initiative, and time recreational and sporting activities, the cruise industry this EMC, given that each one is classified differently. The EU’s and activities linked to underwater cultural heritage and has Blue Growth Strategy identifies five priority sectors; for the provided a variety of financial aid packages for them. The WestMED Initiative, the development of the blue economy is maritime recreational and sporting activities sector is rapidly one of its three goals, which establish transversal priorities that growing, and one of the obstacles to be overcome is favour- involve various sectors; and the EMC, within its blue economy ing mobility between countries. With regard to cruises, Eu- Scope of Action, identifies eight Strategic Goals, each of which rope is the world’s second most popular destination after the is related to a priority sector, and one transversal Strategic Caribbean and its activity is also increasing: it currently carries Goal. Notwithstanding, the table below shows the priorities more than 30 million passengers per year. Underwater cultur- established by the three strategies according to their content al heritage is also a major tourist attraction, particularly in the in order to facilitate their comparison. Mediterranean, where thematic routes are already being prepared. There is also a variety of local initiatives within the MARITIME TOURISM framework of Community-led Local Development Strategies The Blue Growth Strategy to exploit the potential of the (CLLD Strategies) funded by the European Maritime and Fish- oceans, seas and coasts of Europe for growth and employ- eries Fund (EMFF) and related, for example, to fish tourism ment18 adopted by the European Commission in 2012 con- and fishing and aquaculture tourism. siders coastal and maritime tourism to be one of the five The actions proposed by the WestMED Initiative regarding priority scopes that can contribute to sustainable develop- tourism are essentially based on the development of new ment and job creation in the blue economy (table 1). In 2014, products and services related to: natural, cultural and historic the Commission adopted ‘A European Strategy for more routes; maritime recreational activities; sustainable marinas; Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism’ with the cruise tourism; fish tourism; recreational fishing; the construc- aim of improving the sector’s sustainability and competitive- tion of sustainable artificial reefs; and the combination of these ness19. activities with attractions on land such as gastronomy, culture According to the latest report published by the European Un- and sport. The objectives proposed by this initiative for 2022 ion within the framework of the blue economy20, maritime include a 25% increase in certified marinas and a 20% in- tourism is the industry that is leading the generation of jobs in crease in tourism in the off season.

18 Blue Growth – Opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth, COM(2012) 494 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0494:FIN:EN:PDF

19 A European strategy for increased growth and employment in coastal and maritime tourism, COM(2014) 86 final https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/docs/body/com_2014_86_en.pdf

20 Report on the Blue Growth Strategy Towards more sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/swd-2017-128_en.pdf The maritime sectors 29

PROFESSIONAL FISHING The Mediterranean fishing sector is currently in a difficult situation. Although the Common Fisheries Policy has been implemented in the region for decades, the majority of the fish stocks assessed – more than 90% – are considered to be overexploited and the majority of the segments of the fleet are fighting for economic viability21. 80% of the Mediterrane- an fleet corresponds to small-scale fishing (with vessels less than ten metres in length), accounting for a quarter of the total catch. The level of associated employment is in danger, as is the availability of local fishing products as a food source.

In response to this situation, in February 2016, the Europe- an Commission started a process in Catania designed to achieve the permanent recovery of fish stocks and create A trawler at work in the Mediterranean. better conditions for fishing22. As a subsequent continuation of this process, the Ministerial Conference on Mediterrane- an Fisheries, held in Malta in March 2017, made a major declaration, MedFish4Ever23, which reaffirmed political fisheries; 4. provide support to small-scale sustainable fish- commitment on the highest level24. It also manifested the eries and aquaculture; and 5. increase solidarity and coor- need for greater regional coordination and cooperation dination in the Mediterranean. through the application of the GFCM’s mid-term strategy 25 (2017-2020) towards the sustainability of Mediterranean AQUACULTURE and Black Sea fisheries. This strategy aims to work around Since the 1990s aquaculture has been consolidating a posi- five objectives: 1. improve data gathering and scientific tion in the world as an intensive and industrial activity. Accord- evaluation; 2. establish a fishing management framework ing to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization based on the ecosystems; 3. develop a culture of compli- (FAO), it is the food production sector that is showing the ance and eliminate illegal, non-declared and non-regulated quickest growth. This increase has coincided with the general

21 It’s the governance, stupid! How the government of Catalonia is building a unique model with a decentralized, multi-actor decision-making approach to the seas (Catalan International View, 2017) https://issuu.com/catalan- international-view/docs/civ_26_ok_revisat

22 High-level seminar on the state of stocks in the Mediterranean and on the CFP approachhttps://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/high-level-seminar-state-stocks-mediterranean-and-cfp-approach_en

23 European Commission secured 10-year pledge to save Mediterranean fish stocks (EC, 2017) http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-770_en.htm

24 Malta MedFish4Ever Declaration (EC, 2017) https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/sites/fisheries/files/2017-03-30- declaration-malta.pdf

25 Mid-term strategy (2017–2020) towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/faoweb/GFCM/News/Mid-term_strategy-e.pdf 30 International context

fishing resources crisis and with the increase in demand for ion within the framework of the blue economy29, aquaculture is fish and seafood. Aquaculture, especially the continental type, currently responsible for 20% of the EU’s fishing output and currently supplies almost half of the fish and seafood con- has created 80,000 jobs. Although production has been rela- sumed in the world. tively constant over the last ten years, its value has increased The cultivation of aquatic species for commercialisation and by 40%. Almost all consumption is within the EU. Blue growth consumption in the Mediterranean is age- old. Archaeological in this case focuses on increasing the competitiveness of this remains corroborate that this practice has been around for industry, essentially based on the added value provided by the centuries, with clear evidence since the Roman period. Due to quality, sustainability and food safety of European production. the rapid expansion of aquaculture in the Mediterranean, in At the same time the Commission has launched a long-term 2012 the GFCM adopted a resolution that required the con- reflection on the role of aquaculture as a sustainable provider tracting parties to include the identification and assignment of of food for society. An opinion is expected from European specific zones reserved for aquaculture activities in their corre- Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors30 in late 2017. sponding national maritime spatial planning strategies26. In the Western Mediterranean, the actions proposed by the Moreover, the Blue Growth Strategy to exploit the potential of WestMED Initiative in the scope of aquaculture focus on devel- the oceans, seas and coasts of Europe for growth and jobs27 oping common technical standards for sustainable marine aq- adopted by the European Commission in 2012, considers aquaculture in the various countries, diversifying the sector and uaculture to be one of the five priority scopes that can contrib- training professionals. ute to sustainable development of the blue economy (table 1). In 2013, the European Commission published some Strategic RECREATIONAL FISHING Guidelines for the sustainable development of EU aquacul- ture28. The main objectives of these guidelines cover the re- Since its annual meeting in 2006, the GFCM has highlighted moval of existing barriers to the growth of the activity while in- the importance of recreational fishing in the Mediterranean creasing its competitiveness and sustainability and the quality and the need to suitably understand and regulate the activity. of the products. In accordance with these guidelines, each In 2007, it commissioned a study with the aim of assessing Member State must prepare a multi-year national plan for the the legal frameworks of the different Mediterranean countries development of sustainable aquaculture. in order to start a debate and exchange experiences with the According to the latest report published by the European Un- long-term goal of fostering the comprehensive and homoge-

26 Resolution GFCM/36/2012/1 on guidelines on allocated zones for aquaculture (AZA) https://gfcmsitestorage.blob.core.windows.net/documents/Decisions/GFCM-Decision--RES-GFCM_36_2012_1- en.pdf

27 Blue Growth – Opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth, COM(2012) 494 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0494:FIN:EN:PDF

28 Strategic Guidelines for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture, COM(2013) 229 final https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/sites/fisheries/files/docs/body/com_2013_229_en.pdf

29 Report on the Blue Growth Strategy Towards more sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/swd-2017-128_en.pdf

30 https://ec.europa.eu/research/sam/index.cfm?pg=hlg The maritime sectors 31

growth. This working group also collaborates on the implementation of the GFCM’s mid-term strategy (2017-2020) cit- ed in the professional fishing section. Its main functions with regard to recreational fishing in this context will be to consider interactions between recreational fishing and professional fishing, develop indicators to quantify the ecological and economic impacts of recreational fishing in the Mediterranean and characterise the activity with the aim of developing a common, regional or sub-regional definition of recreational maritime fishing32.

MARITIME RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES The policies on developing the EU’s blue economy regard nautical or maritime recreational and sporting activities as part of maritime tourism. As stated in the section on maritime tourism, the European Commission has identified the develop-

Fishermen at sunrise on the Barcelona coastline. ment of maritime recreational activities as one of its priorities. With regard to the Western Mediterranean, the actions proposed by the WestMED Initiative regarding maritime tourism are essentially based on the development of new products neous management of recreational fishing in the Mediterrane- and services related to maritime recreational activities and an31. The work was carried out in 17 countries in the Mediter- sustainable marinas, among others. One example of the ob- ranean basin and revealed a high level of heterogeneity in the jectives set by the WestMED Initiative for 2022 is a 25% in- legal frameworks that regulate recreational fishing, and in cer- crease in certified marinas. tain cases no frameworks at all. Despite best efforts, progress However, the EMC considers maritime recreational and sport- so far has been slow. With the aim of stimulating the process, ing activities to be a sector that is independent of maritime the GFCM has recently included the monitoring of recreation- tourism. The reason is essentially that in Catalonia the practice al fishing in one of its permanent working groups along with of these activities is highly significant and, to a great extent, is small-scale fishing. The objective of this working group in re- traditionally undertaken by the local population throughout the lation to recreational fishing is to coordinate activities to year, in such a way that the corresponding Strategic Courses achieve an exhaustive database of the activity and support its of Action address both the local population and tourism (see sustainable development within the perspective of blue Strategic Goal 6).

31 Recreational Fisheries in the Mediterranean countries: a review of existing legal frameworks http://www.fao.org/docrep/010/a1500e/a1500e00.htm

32 http://www.fao.org/gfcm/en/ 32 International context

cruise ships commissioned on globally, 30 were built in Eu- rope. The overcapacity of the current merchant and fishing fleet means that shipyards are now being forced to seek out new markets and develop high-technology products.

OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY The Blue Growth Strategy to exploit the potential of the oceans, seas and coasts of Europe for growth and employ- ment34 adopted by the European Commission in 2012 also considers marine energy (including offshore wind energy) to be one of the five priority scopes that can contribute to sustainable development and job creation in the blue economy (table 1). Wind energy from marine platforms is the sector showing most growth in the scope of the blue economy in the Europe- an Union, which is currently the world leader in terms of production, largely thanks to the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark35. The first offshore wind farm was installed in Den- Aerial view of the Port of Badalona, with the city of Barcelona in the background. mark in 1991 (Vindeby)36. By 2015, 80 offshore wind farms had been built in Europe, with an average production in 2015 of 338 MW per year37. The United Kingdom has by far the SHIPBUILDING largest offshore wind farm capacity, producing some 5,061 Shipbuilding is one of the five major sectors that generate the MW, followed by Germany with 3,295 MW and Denmark with most jobs in Europe’s blue economy sectors, employing some 1,271 MW. Hywind, which was installed in the North Sea in 450,000 workers33. The industry, even though it increasingly Norwegian waters in 2009, is the world’s first full-scale floating depends on military orders (two thirds of the total in 2015), is wind turbine. also a leader in highly specialised sectors like the construction This industry is facing major challenges that require interna- of dredgers, luxury yachts and cruise ships. In 2015, of the 32 tional cooperation on the regional scale. These challenges in-

33 Report on the Blue Growth Strategy Towards more sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy, SWD(2017) 128 final https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/swd-2017-128_en.pdf

34 Blue Growth – Opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth, COM(2012) 494 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0494:FIN:EN:PDF

35 JRC Wind Energy Status Report 2016 Edition http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC105720/kjna28530enn.pdf

36 http://www.eesi.org/files/offshore_wind_101310.pdf

37 The European offshore wind industry - key trends and statistics 2015 https://www.ewea.org/fileadmin/files/library/publications/statistics/EWEA-European-Offshore-Statistics-2015.pdf The maritime sectors 33

clude reducing costs, improving the technology of the floating diversity of potential applications for all kinds of industries. The platforms and agreeing operating procedures38 . An example main applications reaching the market include new medical of regional cooperation is the political declaration on energy molecules, bioplastics, enzymes and biocides. The applica- cooperation between the nine North Seas countries signed in tions that have the potential to reach critical mass will un- 201639. This cooperation basically focuses on four aspects: doubtedly be used by the major players: cosmetics compa- spatial planning to optimise the use of a limited and intensely nies, pharmaceutical companies and also major chemical used space; the development of an electricity grid capable of companies40. handling large-scale production; investments, and the identifi- One of the pioneering regions in marine biotechnology is Que- cation of good practices. bec. In addition to academic and research centres, there are In the western Mediterranean, the WestMED Initiative estab- numerous companies in Quebec involved in its development. lishes as one of its actions the development of solutions to in- Some are working on the commercialisation of the properties crease the efficiency of installations, the maintenance and op- of microalgae and macroalgae, while others are looking for eration of marine renewable energies (including wind energy), ways to commercialise waste from marine co-products. Some and also the development of the electricity grid. waste contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY high blood pressure and other cardiovascular or coronary dis- Marine or blue biotechnology refers to the exploration and ex- eases. ploitation of marine organisms to develop new products. The The Blue Growth Strategy to exploit the potential of European exploration of the biodiversity of the sea could enable the de- oceans, seas and coasts for growth and employment41 adopt- velopment of new drugs or industrial enzymes that could with- ed by the European Commission in 2012, also considers ma- stand extreme conditions and, therefore, have major econom- rine biotechnology to be one of the five priority scopes that can ic potential. In the long term, the sector is expected to provide contribute to sustainable development and job creation in the employment for highly qualified professionals and significant blue economy (table 1). opportunities. Current research is focussing on a wide diversity of applications that include, among others, antioxidants and anti-inflam- matory molecules, artificial blood, antiscalant molecules, biological plastics and polymers, adhesives that are active in wet environments, biomarkers, etc. The sector presents a wide

38 Report on the Blue Growth Strategy Towards more sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy, SWD(2017) 128 final https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/swd-2017- 128_en.pdf

39 Political Declaration on energy cooperation between the North Seas Countries

40 Blue Growth Scenarios and Drivers for Sustainable Growth from the Oceans, Seas and Coasts https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/maritimeforum/system/files/Blue%20Growth%20Final%20Report%20 13092012.pdf

41 Blue Growth – Opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth, COM(2012) 494 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0494:FIN:EN:PDF Conservation of Biodiversity Conservation of Biodiversity 35

n the international scope, guidelines on the conserva- eries Policy must be designed to achieve a level of Maximum tion of biodiversity are essentially contained in the Sustainable Yield by 2015 and fisheries with no significant ad- Strategic Plan for Biological Diversity 2011-2020 verse impacts on other stocks, species and ecosystems, in adopted in 2010 by the parties to the Convention on support of achieving Good Environmental Status by 2020, as Biological Diversity42 (CBD). The vision of this plan is a required under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive47 ap- world based on ‘living in harmony with nature’ where proved in 2008. ‘By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored The aforementioned Marine Strategy Framework Directive es- and wisely used maintaining, ecosystem services, sustaining a tablishes the need to apply an ecosystem approach to the Ihealthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people’. management of human activities in order to guarantee that This plan adopted 20 ambitious targets, known as the Aichi their collective pressure is compatible with the achievement of Biodiversity Targets, organised into five strategic goals. The good environmental status by 2020 at the latest, and that the majority of the targets are transversal and, therefore, also ap- capacity of marine ecosystems to respond to human-induced plicable to the seas and oceans. However, some directly refer changes is not compromised, while enabling the sustainable to the marine environment or activities undertaken within it use of marine goods and services by present and future gen- such as fishing, aquaculture and the protection of at least 10% erations. The environmental status of the various marine de- of its surface area in an effective and fair manner. marcations is defined by the 11 qualitative descriptors, among Following this international mandate and in accordance with which there is specific reference to marine trophic networks, the initiative ‘A resource-efficient Europe’ of the Europe 2020 stocks of fish and molluscs, invasive species, the seafloor, Strategy43, in 2011 the European Commission published ‘Our contaminants, marine litter and underwater noise. The coast of life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to Catalonia would be included in the Marine Strategy of the 2020’44, with six priority targets. These objectives include the Eastern Spain-Balearic Islands area. mandate to increase efforts for managing and restoring the Also, in the marine context, the Mediterranean Action Plan land and sea spaces of the Natura 2000 network declared (MAP) was adopted within the framework of the United Na- under the Habitats Directive45 and the Birds Directive46, and tions Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1975. The following the preparation of an initiative to prevent the net loss of eco- year, the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environ- systems and their services. Additionally, target 4 on the sus- ment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean, better tainable use of fisheries resources specifies that the measures known as the Barcelona Convention, was adopted as the legal adopted in the framework of the reform of the Common Fish- framework of the MAP, along with its first two protocols on

42 Convention on Biological Diversity https://www.cbd.int/sp/targets/default.shtml

43 A resource-efficient Europe – Flagship initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy COM(2011) 21 final https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0021:FIN:EN:PDF

44 Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 COM(2011) 244 final https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52011DC0244&from=EN

45 Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:1992L0043:20070101:en:PDF

46 Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009L0147&from=EN

47 Directive 2008/56/EC, establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32008L0056&from=EN 36 International context

Flamingos in the Ebro Delta at sunrise.

discharges and emergencies, due to contamination with hy- ing Parties in 2008 approved the implementation of the eco- drocarbons or other hazardous substances. Subsequently, system approach to the management of human activities that other protocols have been approved, such as the protocol on may affect the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPA- (Decision IG 17/648). MI Protocol) in 1995, the protocol on the Integrated Coastal In accordance with the commitment of the states within the Zone Management in the Mediterranean (ICZM Protocol) in framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity and of the 2008 and others regarding waste. Moreover, in 2013, the Bar- Barcelona Convention, the third objective of the WestMED Ini- celona Convention adopted a regional plan to reduce marine tiative (improvement of the governance of the seas) aims to litter. It should be highlighted that the Meeting of the Contract- foster the sustainable management of maritime economic ac-

48 Implementation of the ecosystem approach to the management of human activities that may affect the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment https://wedocs.unep.org/rest/bitstreams/10310/retrieve Conservation of Biodiversity 37

tivities and the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. In this sense, it associates the socioeconomic development of the region with healthy marine and coastal ecosystems. The Initiative groups the various actions to be taken to achieve this objective into four priorities: spatial planning and coastal management; marine and maritime knowledge; biodiversity and marine habitat conservation and, finally, sustainable fisheries and coastal community development.

Scientific monitoring work on an artificial reef. Climate change Climate change 39

he consequences of climate change are be- According to a study on climate change on the Spanish coming more apparent throughout Europe. coast52, the coastal systems in Spain are especially sensitive to According to a report issued by the Europe- the effect of the rising sea level, and also other factors like the an Environment Agency in 201249, the aver- increase in the surface temperature of the water, acidification, age temperature in Europe in the previous changes in storms and changes in wave swells. These sys- decade was 1.3 ºC higher than pre-industrial tems, and especially low areas like the Ebre delta, are expect- levels and is continuing to rise. The funda- ed to suffer adverse impacts like flooding and erosion due to mental objective of the Agreement of the Conference of the the rising sea level and changes in the direction and intensity TParties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Cli- of waves. In this area, major impacts are also expected be- mate Change approved in 2015 (the Paris Agreement50) to cause of saltwater intrusion due to the combination of the ris- combat climate change is to maintain the global temperature ing sea level and a possible reduction in the flow rate of rivers. increase this century under 2ºC. Ecological restoration and the One of the most significant consequences of climate change adaptation of the coastal and marine regions have been high- on natural coastal ecosystems is the loss of Posidonia ocean- lighted in the Paris Agreement as major factors to reduce the ica seagrass meadows. An average increase of 3.4 ± 1.3ºC at costs and risks arising from climate change. the end of the century would reduce seagrass meadows to In 2013, the European Commission approved the EU Strategy 10% of their current density. on adaptation to climate change with the aim of establishing a Certain productive systems in Catalonia are already suffering framework and mechanisms to combat climate change. Fol- the effects of high temperatures. One of the most significant is lowing the recent ratification and entry into force of the Paris the production of muscles in the bays of the Ebre delta, where Agreement, the EU is developing legislation to reduce its emis- the majority of Catalonia’s production is located. It is suffering sions by at least 40% by 2030 with respect to 199051. due to suboptimal conditions with respect to the physiology of Some relevant data in relation to the impact of climate change the species present in recent years. on European seas provided by the European Environment Agency in 2012 are as follows: the temperature of the surface of the sea in Europe is rising more quickly than on the global oceanic scale; the rate of increase in the last 25 years was higher than in any other previous 25-year period; fish stocks seem to be responding to changes in temperature and trophic availability by changing their geographic distribution; and climate change may affect possible zones for aquaculture, cultivated species and production efficiency.

49 EEA report N° 12/2012. Climate change, impacts and vulnerability in Europe 2012 https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/climate-impacts-and-vulnerability-2012

50 The Paris Agreement https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2015/cop21/eng/l09.pdf

51 https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/progress_en

52 Climate change on the Spanish coast http://www.mapama.gob.es/es/cambio-climatico/temas/impactos- vulnerabilidad-y-adaptacion/2014_INFORME_C3E_final_tcm7-352338.pdf Women in the maritime sector Women in the maritime sector 41

he first initiative to foster the inclusion of processing and in commercialisation. On the global scale, arti- women in the maritime sector was devel- sanal fishing provides employment for more than 90% of oped in 1988 by the International Maritime workers related to fishing, of which approximately half are Organization (IMO) and was called the Strat- women54. The voluntary guidelines for securing sustainable egy on the Integration of Women in the Mar- small-scale fisheries adopted by the FAO in 2015 fosters the itime Sector. Its main objective was to in- promotion of equal rights between men and women in arti- crease the presence of women in the sector sanal fishing and are encouraging countries to establish gen- in developing nations through education, training and knowl- der equality in fishing policies and to ensure the equal partici- Tedge transfer. This training was provided at educational institu- pation of women in decision-making processes. tions created by the IMO, at the World Maritime University in In the European Union, there are numerous initiatives to foster Sweden, and at the International Maritime Law Institute in Mal- an increase in women’s participation in the professional and ta53. The result has been an increase over the years in women entrepreneurial scopes, albeit not specifically in the maritime in the professional maritime scope. The first phase of the IMO scope. Some examples of this are the establishment in 2011 programme concluded in 2013 and gave way to the start of a of the EU Prize for Women Innovators and the creation and new programme. This new programme includes the strength- maintenance of a European platform for women entrepre- ening of national and regional capacities through specific neurs. grants for women, facilitating access to high-level technical training for women in the maritime sector in developing nations, and facilitating the identification and selection of women for professional development opportunities in maritime administrations, ports and maritime training centres. Simultaneously, in 2000, the United Nations approved the Mil- lennium Development Goals, which included ‘promote gender equality and empower women’ as its third goal and resulted in numerous actions aimed at the maritime scope around the globe. In 2016, once the Millennium Development Goals dead- line had passed, the United Nations continued in the same line with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which proposes as its fifth goal: ‘achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls’. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stresses the fundamental role that women play in the fishing sector, normally subsequent to the catching stage, both in

53 Maritime Women: Global Leadership https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-662-45385-8#editorsandaffiliations

54 Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries http://www.fao.org/3/i4356en/I4356EN.pdf 42 International context

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

As stated in both the EU Blue Growth Strategy55 and the The European Commission also promotes initiatives to en- WestMED Initiative56, the EU does not allocate specific funding courage private investment, such as the Ocean Energy Forum, for the development of the blue economy. Notwithstanding, it which brings together industry, investors, academics and ad- benefits from a series of existing international, EU, national and ministrations to identify solutions and attract investment. Si- regional financial instruments that promote diversity of oppor- multaneously, the European Commission has launched initia- tunities. tives to fund strategic and innovation projects57,58 through the The EU promotes the use of its existing funding instruments for European Investment Bank (EIB) within the framework of the blue growth projects, especially in innovative areas where pri- European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) such as the vate investment is less common. Some examples are the Euro- Green Shipping Financing Programme59. pean Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), whose aim is to foster the diversification of the local maritime economy, the sustainable development of the maritime regions and the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy; and the Europe- an Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which offers a diversity of investment opportunities in the blue economy area through promoting innovation, developing sustainable tourism, protecting diversity, and renewable energies. Additionally, the Europe- an Social Fund (ESF) offers opportunities for creating employment in the maritime economy. Research and development in maritime innovation projects were priorities in the Horizon 2020 framework programme, which included specific calls for blue growth action. The EU Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME) is also funding projects related to blue growth.

55 55 Report on the Blue Growth Strategy Towards more sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy, SWD(2017) 128 final https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/swd-2017-128_en.pdf

56 Initiative for the sustainable development of the blue economy in the western Mediterranean COM(2017) 183 final

57 The investment Plan for Europe https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/2-years-on- investment-plan_en_2.pdf

58 EU Finance for Innovators http://www.eib.org/attachments/thematic/innovfin_eu_finance_for_innovators_en.pdf

59 http://www.eib.org/infocentre/press/releases/all/2017/2017-106-investment-plan-for-europe-eur-150-million-to-finance-green-shipping Women in the maritime sector 43

STRUCTURE OF THE 2030 MARITIME STRATEGY OF CATALONIA

The 2030 EMC is organised around four Scopes of Action and govern.cat their corresponding Strategic Goals (SGs). The latter will be El govern aprova la seva #225 2’ Juny implemented through Strategic Courses of Action (SCAs), En dos primera Estratègia Marítima 2018 minuts XII legislatura which in turn make up the Multi-year Strategic Plans. L’objectiu és desenvolupar l’economia blava de manera sostenible i harmònica a través Each Multi-year Strategic Plan will cover a period of four years. d’una gestió integrada de les activitats que impacten sobre l’espai marítim català The first period, 2018-2021, is covered in this document. The following periods (2022-2025 and 2026-2030) will be estab- 4 àmbits d’actuació Creixement Sostenible, integrat Respectuós amb el conjunt de les activitats marítimes lished in accordance with the EMC governance mechanisms blau i harmònic i equilibrat territorialment described above. Ecosistemes Resilients Mantenir i potenciar els serveis ecosistèmics marins i plenament Gestió integral dels usos del medi marí funcionals Contribuir a la lluita contra el canvi climàtic

Qualitat Millora de la Divulgació i promoció dels valors naturals, culturals de vida qualitat de vida i socials associats al mar dels ciutadans Apoderament de la dona en el món marítim Potenciació de l’economia social en els sectors marítims

Governança Marc de governança Model de governança de baix a dalt innovador que doni Foment de la coresponsabilitat de tots els actors impuls a l’estratègia i en garanteixi Impuls a l’assessorament l’operativitat científic d’excel·lència Gestió adaptativa de l’Estratègia Marítima L’estratègia de Catalunya té com a horitzó l’any 2030

Consell Català de Cogestió Marítima És l’organisme que ha de dur a terme la governança de l’Estratègia Marítima de Catalunya seguint un esquema de cogestió, mitjançant un procés obert i continu de revisió i reajustament adaptatiu dels objectius i de les línies estratègiques d’actuació

Primer Pla Estratègic Multianual (2018-2021) Aquest full de ruta incorpora 89 línies estratègiques d’actuació concretes a desenvolupar pels diferents departaments del govern de la Generalitat i altres actors

Government communiqué on the Maritime Strategy of Catalonia, detailing the four scopes of action and the body and document that will guide and manage its implementation.

Scopes of action The priorities of the Catalan government in the maritime sphere are reflected in the four scopes of action of this Strategy. Scope 1. Sustainable, integrated and harmonious development of the blue economy that respects the human uses of the sea Scope 2. Resilient and fully functional marine ecosystems Scope 3. Improvement of citizens’ quality of life Scope 4. An innovative governance framework to drive the strategy and guarantee its operability Scope of action 1 SUSTAINABLE, INTEGRATED AND HARMONIOUS DEVELOPMENT OF THE BLUE ECONOMY THAT RESPECTS THE HUMAN USES OF THE SEA Scope of action 1 47

The sea is of great importance to Catalo- On the regional level, there is expected to be a substantial in- nia’s economy and employment. The larg- crease in human activities and economic sectors that use the est of Catalonia’s diverse maritime sectors Mediterranean Sea over the next 20 years. We are facing are maritime tourism, maritime recreational growing demand with limited space and resources, a potential and sporting activities, shipbuilding, fishing increase in conflicts between the various maritime sectors over and aquaculture. There are also emerging uses and, consequently, an increase in the conflict between sectors like offshore wind energy and ma- human use and the conservation of the natural environment. A rine biotechnology, which are still in the development phase. recent MedTrends report60 assessed the current state of the TSpecial mention should also be made of port, logistics and main economic sectors with activity in the maritime scope, goods and passenger transportation activities, which as their main associated pressures on the marine environment stated above are not covered in the current phase of this and how trends will evolve to 2020 and 2030. Catalonia’s strategy. coastal and marine areas are among the areas with the highest interaction between blue growth and natural spaces (Figure 1).

NOTA FALSA PARA NUMERAR LA NOTA D61E DE LA TABLA.

Figure 1. Large-scale areas of high interactions between Blue Growth and sites of conservation interest in EU Mediterranean countries EU (Source: MedTrends, WWF-France)61

60 Blue Growth in the Mediterranean Sea: the Challenge of Good Environmental Status (WWF-France, 2015). http://medtrends.org/reports/MEDTRENDS_REGIONAL.pdf

61 Blue Growth in the Mediterranean Sea: the Challenge of Good Environmental Status. MedTrends Project (WWF- France, 2015) http://d2ouvy59p0dg6k.cloudfront.net/downloads/medtrends_regional_ report.pdf 48 Scopes of action

CONTRIBUTION OF THE EMC TO THE VARIOUS The EMC will also represent a valuable contribution to other REGIONAL INITIATIVES regional and EU initiatives. In the scope of professional fish- In the current context, especially given the likely intensifica- ing, for example, this strategy represents Catalonia’s com- tion of human uses of the region’s maritime space and biotic mitment to the political process started in Catania and re- and abiotic resources, cross-border and international coop- cently confirmed through the signature of the MedFish4Ever eration is considered to be especially necessary. The Gov- Ministerial Declaration and the mid-term strategy of the ernment of Catalonia has actively participated in a variety of GFCM (2017-2020) and its objective of achieving the perma- processes at the regional level to address these concerns, nent recovery of fish stocks and the creation of better condi- such as the WestMED Initiative for the Sustainable Develop- tions for the fishing industry in the Mediterranean (see the ment of the Blue Economy in the Western Mediterranean62, section on fishing). Another example is recreational fishing. fostered by the DG MARE; and participation in the maritime The EMC recognises the importance of this economic sector work of the CPMR Intermediterranean Commission, which within the context of the sustainable development of the blue participates in the UfM Working Group on the Blue Economy, economy and through its action plan it can contribute to the which will coordinate the implementation of the WestMED In- achievement of regional objectives within the framework of itiative. the GFCM. As mentioned above, one of the objectives of the WestMED Initiative is to achieve ‘a smart and resilient blue economy’. The four priorities identified to achieve the aforementioned objective in this initiative are: 1. strategic research and innovation, 2. the development of maritime clusters, 3. training, and 4. sustainable consumption 2018-2030 Strategic goals and production, covering four sectors: maritime transport, ports, coastal and maritime tourism, and marine aquaculture. This first scope of action includes nine Strategic Goals: In contrast to this EMC, the fishing scope is included in the 1.1. A strong, modern and properly dimensioned maritime objective concerning ‘better governance of the seas’. sector, based on knowledge The many areas in which the EMC can contribute to the im- 1.2. A modern and sustainable maritime tourism plementation of the WestMED Initiative include the develop- 1.3. A competitive fishing sector committed to bioeconomic ment of biotechnology and marine renewable energies; the management A sustainable aquaculture that fully taps Catalonia’s creation of maritime clusters and their associated regional 1.4. potential network; professional training; the development of new tour- 1.5. A new recreational fishing model that respects the ism products that value cultural, natural and historic herit- environment age; and the achievement of sustainable fishing and aqua- 1.6. Maritime recreational and sporting activities with low culture. environmental impact that stimulate the economy 1.7. A sustainable shipbuilding and repair industry 1.8. Development of offshore wind energy 1.9. Development of Catalonia’s marine biotechnology 62 Initiative for the sustainable development of the blue economy in the western Mediterranean potential COM(2017) 183 final https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/com-2017- 183_en.pdf Scope of action 1 49

1.1. A STRONG, MODERN AND PROPERLY ➔ A scientific network of excellence DIMENSIONED MARITIME SECTOR, BASED ON The sustainable development of the blue economy in an inte- KNOWLEDGE grated manner requires a solid scientific base and close, interdisciplinary collaboration between academics and scientists in different areas. In Catalonia there are currently 26 SGR re- The first Strategic Goal of this scope is transversal, given that search groups63, 11 CERCA Institute centres64, 7 CSIC cen- it focuses on strengthening the drivers or enabling conditions tres65 and 2 reference networks66 that carry out research in necessary to support the development of the various sector areas covered by this strategy. The strategic plan contem- activities that take place in the marine and maritime scope. plates the creation of a reference scientific network to struc- The other eight Strategic Goals are, in contrast, entirely sec- ture the necessary scientific foundations, resulting in the for- toral in nature. mation of a maritime research community of excellence in Catalonia. 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Courses of action will be necessary in the following areas in ➔ Maritime clusters order to develop Catalonia’s maritime sector and to achieve It is expected that the creation of a maritime cluster will enor- sustainable growth in its various scopes within the framework mously benefit the development of the blue economy in Catalo- of an Integrated Maritime Policy. nia. The sectors are currently facing problems and challenges that are difficult to resolve in an isolated manner within the con- ➔ Blue growth potential fines of the sector, such as the dearth of qualified professionals It is necessary, as the starting point, to evaluate the growth and internationalisation difficulties. The key aspects of the ben- potential of the blue economy in Catalonia’s maritime space. efits of creating a cluster include the promotion of innovation, This evaluation must consider the sustainable and integrated specialisation and outsourcing67 and, in general, the emergence growth potential of the various economic sectors that interact of synergies within a maritime community that self-identifies and in this space, analysing and exploiting any synergies that may is recognised as such. The creation of this cluster could take be established. advantage of experiences that already exist in Catalonia.

63 In the following institutions: Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), University of Barcelona (UB), Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), University of Girona (UdG), Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA)

64 Centre for Research in Agrotechnology (Agrotecnio), International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), Telecommunications Technological Centre of Catalonia (CTTC), Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Catalan Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (ICRPC), Catalan Institute for Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES), Catalan Institute for Energy Research (IREC), Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), and Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGLOBAL).

65 Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), Mediterranean Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CMIMA), Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), Barcelona Institute of Material Science (ICMAB), Institute of Sea Sciences (ICM), Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies (IDAEA) and Marine Technology Unit (UTM)

66 Reference Network for Research and Development and Innovation in Aquaculture (XRAq) and Reference Network for Research and Development and Innovation in Biotechnology (XRB)

67 The role of Maritime Clusters to enhance the strength and development in European maritime sectors – Executive Summary (EC, 2009) https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/docs/body/executive_summary_clusters_en.pdf 50 Scopes of action

Fishing boats in the Port of l’Escala.

In Europe there are various maritime clusters, on different geo- on the socio- economic fabric of Catalonia and stimulate graphic scales. These clusters cooperate at different levels, other terrestrial sectors. The Catalonia Clusters programme although at the European level cooperation between national fostered by the Catalan government should form the back- clusters is undertaken through the European Network of Mari- bone of this initiative68. The government’s cluster policy is time Clusters (ENMC). Another body, the European Cluster based on the promotion of the competitiveness of compa- Collaboration Platform, also provides the tools necessary to nies, providing support for professionalized cluster organisa- work as part of a cluster. Additionally, the WestMED Initiative tions, with strong private governance and a clear orientation plans the creation of a network of maritime clusters that will to the promotion of strategic change, innovation and inter- foster the internationalisation of the cluster. nationalisation through transformative projects designed to encourage competition. The activities implemented by the There are currently some clusters related to maritime sectors cluster to achieve its goals may be67: promotional cam- in Catalonia that could serve as the starting point for a clus- paigns, economic reports on the cluster, structural coopera- ter that covers the whole of Catalonia and brings together all tion between cluster organisations and knowledge institutes, its maritime industries. This potential cluster, in addition to specific support programmes, and a platform to exchange boosting maritime economies, would have a positive impact good practices.

68 http://accio.gencat.cat/cat/estrategia-empresarial/clusters/inici.jsp Scope of action 1 51

➔ Sectoral database safety measures in accordance with existing risks. Activities at One of the greatest obstacles encountered during the prepa- sea pose a challenge in terms of the safety of people and the ration of this strategy was the difficulty to obtain up-to-date environment. information and data related to the various economic activities This means that risk prevention mechanisms for both the envi- in the Catalan maritime space. The integrated approach of a ronment and human life must be permanently reviewed and maritime policy makes it essential the existence an up-to-date updated in accordance with challenges and experiences. database that integrates economic, social and environmental Moreover, increases in the number of maritime activities, in impact data. This is why this strategy proposes the creation terms of intensity and new uses, also result in an increase in and regular maintenance of a specific database that brings risk and make it necessary to create new safety protocols. together and integrates data related to the sectoral activities Accidents associated with activities in the marine environment that take place in the marine environment. have a high risk of fatality, both for humans and the environment. Accordingly, actions designed to prevent them are al- ➔ Safety in the sea ways necessary and justified. Finally, an essential requirement in the development of economic activities in the marine environment is the adoption of 1.2. A MODERN AND SUSTAINABLE MARITIME TOURISM

Strategic Courses of Action Tourism is one of Catalonia’s largest economic sectors, accounting for 12% of its GDP in 201269. According to data published by the Government of Catalonia70, in 2015 tourist ac- 1. Evaluation of the development potential of commodation played host to 22.2 million visitors with 75.3 the blue economy in the Catalan maritime million overnight stays, representing an increase with respect space from the perspective of an Integrated to the previous year. Catalonia’s coast and sea are the most Maritime Policy important resources for this sector. 2. Promotion of the structuring of a scientific As stated in the ‘Strategic Tourism Plan for Catalonia 2013- network of excellence in the maritime scope 2016 and Catalan Tourism Directives 2020’ document, the in Catalonia main challenge that Catalonia must overcome as a tourist des- 3. Creation of a Catalan maritime cluster tination is striking the perfect balance of quality and quantity. 4. Establishment and maintenance of a specific database related to maritime activities

(investment levels, production, direct and 69 Strategic Tourism Plan for Catalonia 2013-2016 and Catalan Tourism Directives 2020 indirect employment, waste, impact on the (Government of Catalonia, 2013) environment and others) http://empresa.gencat.cat/web/.content/20_-_turisme/coneixement_i_planificacio/recerca_i_ estudis/documents/arxius/plan_en.pdf 5. Review and strengthening of protocols 70 Catalan Tourism in Figures (Government of Catalonia, 2017) http://empresa.gencat.cat/ca/ oriented to health and safety at sea treb_ambits_actuacio/emo_turisme/emo_coneixement_planificacio/estadisticas- turisticas/emo_ ctx/ 52 Scopes of action

Indeed, Catalonia’s tourism resources strongly depend on its environmental integrity. Therefore, work must be done to produce spatial and temporal planning that prevents the over- loading of coastal and marine spaces, limiting access to the most sensitive places, if necessary. The products and services that maritime tourism offers include: cruise tourism; recreational water and underwater activities; natural, cultural and historic routes; fishing and aquaculture tourism (fishing cultural heritage); and a relationship between marine and inland attractions (wine, gastronomy, culture, sport, etc.). The new strategic plans for tourism and marketing for 2018- 2020 focus on describing the initiatives being developed in this period in a sustainable manner in accordance with the definition of smart tourism.

2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Courses of action in the areas described below will be neces- A cruiser moored at Barcelona’s Port Vell dock. sary to develop and foster modern, sustainable maritime tourism. Institutes conducting research in related scopes could significantly contribute to the achievement of this SG71. These courses will be developed in direct coordination with the million passengers. According to the European Commission Tourism and Marketing Strategic Plans (2018-2020) men- (Communication on Blue Growth), by 2020 the cruise sector tioned above, which the competent administrative bodies are will experience an increase in its economic weight. currently preparing. A project implemented to attract cruise ships to the port of Tarragona is yielding very positive results. The brand ‘Tarrago- ➔ Cruise tourism na Cruise Port Costa Daurada’ brings together all the agents Cruise tourism is the international tourism product that has of the territory to form the so- called ‘cruise board’, which sup- shown the most growth in recent years. Cruises play an impor- ports the strategic course of action implemented by the port of tant role in the economy of Catalonia, stimulating both the Tarragona. This commitment to increasing cruise traffic started ports where cruise ships stop and their areas of influence. in 2012 and exceeded its targets in just four years. Some 40 Barcelona is the Mediterranean’s leading port in terms of pas- cruises with 40,000 passengers are expected in 2017, repre- senger numbers and the world’s fourth busiest by this same senting 100% growth with respect to the previous year. Cur- metric. In 2011 it welcomed almost 900 cruise ships and 2.66 rently, the course of action focuses on the consolidation of the

71 Such as the Catalan Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (ICRPC) Scope of action 1 53

port of Tarragona as a port of call and the opening of the mar- ➔ New tourism options ket as a home port. Additionally, there is incipient tourism based on the biologi- Palamós, Catalonia’s second busiest port in terms of cruise cal and geological wealth of the Catalan coast and its fishing traffic, also attracts significant volume in this sense, as do the and aquaculture heritage. In general, it is an activity that reports of Roses and Sant Carles de la Ràpita. Taken together, spects the environment, such as whale watching, fishing these ports offer good quality service to cruise companies and tourism, aquaculture tourism, snorkelling, diving and kayak- passengers alike, and the possibility of exposing visitors to ma- ing, and represents an alternative to sun and beach tourism. jor tourist attractions like the Costa Brava and the Ebre delta. Moreover, they are activities that can be enjoyed all year However, this sector generates recognised impacts72 that round, offering a diversified and complementary tourism must be considered: atmospheric and marine water pollu- product. This is why this strategy proposes the development tion, generation of large amounts of waste, high use of wa- of this type of initiatives related to Catalonia’s natural and ter, impacts on marine biodiversity and contribution to cli- cultural heritage. mate change on the global scale. The fuel oil used by cruise ships contains up to 3,500 times more sulphur than the ➔ Certification of maritime tourism diesel used in cars. The waves they generate when they The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is in favour of the dock contribute to the erosion of the coast. Additionally, the certification of tourism products. Sustainable tourism certifica- social impacts caused by these cruises at their ports of call tion systems are playing an increasingly larger role in the regu- are related to mass tourism in general. In the case of Barce- lation of tourism services, offering significant benefits for the lona, the arrival of millions of tourists causes serious prob- environment and society in general at the places where they lems in terms of mobility and public infrastructure use for are developed. the city’s inhabitants. One example is Biosphere certification, although there are oth- The main challenge is, therefore, to mitigate the environmen- ers with a long history such as the various certificates issued tal impacts and create mechanisms to foster cruise tourism by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. with less impact and higher socio-economic returns. In this Currently, there is no specific certification for maritime tour- sense, this strategy contemplates courses of action that fos- ism, but there is for a good number of activities, operators, ter a variety of tourism activities designed mainly for cruise products, etc. A future challenge is the association of leisure passengers. The proposed tourism activities will have easy activities with the consumption of sustainable products from access from the ports and will include initiatives that value the marine environment. A good example is the “Peix de Llot- cultural and natural heritage. The purpose of these actions ja” (Fish from the local Fish Market) logo73 fostered by the will be to facilitate the demassification of tourism in areas Catalan government as a designation for local products, and close to the ports and to foster the return of these types of the fish tourism and fishing and aquaculture tourism logo tourism to society. used in accordance with Decree 87/201274. Fish tourism

72 The impact of cruise tourism on Barcelona (OTI, 2017) http://oti.turismo-sostenible.net/project/el-impacto-de- turismo-de-cruceros-en-barcelona/

73 http://www.peixdellotja.com/

74 Decree 87/2012, of 31 July, on fish tourism, fishing and aquaculture tourism and fishing demonstrations in maritime and continental waters of Catalonia 54 Scopes of action

aims to show tourists the world of traditional fishing by ac- companying fishermen on a workday at sea, under supervi- The UNWTO’s definition of ecotourism sion, to understand their customs and routines. In Catalonia this is offered along the Costa Brava and the Costa Daurada Ecotourism refers to forms of tourism which have for both trawling and small-scale fishing. There are also pro- the following characteristics: posals on land related to visits to fish markets, culinary workshops, fishing museums, interpretation centres and gastro- 1. All nature-based forms of tourism in which the nomic events. Catalonia also plays host to aquaculture main motivation of the tourists is the observation tourism, which takes citizens to aquaculture farms to explain and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional the activities that are carried out there and offers them a taste cultures prevailing in natural areas. of the products. Given the absence of specific certification for responsible mar- 2. It contains educational and interpretation itime tourism, this strategy proposes the definition of the qual- features. ity standards that would be required for certification. 3. It is generally, but not exclusively organised by specialised tour operators for small groups. Service provider partners at the destinations tend to be small, locally owned businesses. 4. It minimises negative impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment. 5. It supports the maintenance of natural areas which are used as ecotourism attractions by: Strategic Courses of Action – Generating economic benefits for host communities, organisations and authorities 6. Design of pilot actions to promote land managing natural areas with conservation activities for cruise tourists and foster the purposes; return of this type of tourism to the territory 7. Development of responsible maritime – Providing alternative employment and income tourism initiatives related to natural and opportunities for local communities; cultural heritage and consolidation of a European or regional network to integrate – Increasing awareness towards the conservation them of natural and cultural assets, both among locals 8. Definition of quality standards as the and tourists. foundation for certifying responsible maritime tourism Scope of action 1 55

1.3. A COMPETITIVE FISHING SECTOR COMMITTED TO BIOECONOMIC MANAGEMENT The Catalan fleet is made up of 837 vessels in six different census segments:

With a fishing fleet of approximately 800 vessels, Catalonia FISHING CENSUS SPECIES maintains a robust fishing sector that is vital for the economic Trawling 243 Fish and crustaceans fabric of its coastal communities and necessary for the development of their blue economy. In terms of employment, Cata- Small-scale 404 Wide diversity of species lonia can be compared to Germany and Denmark, and it is Sardines and anchovies Seine fishing 84 higher than many Mediterranean countries, including the Rock fish

French Mediterranean sector. Tuna purse seining 6 Atlantic bluefin tuna Maritime fishing in Catalonia is characterised by its local and coastal nature, with small, low- power vessels, trips that are Bottom longline fishing 42 Hake, largehead hairtail generally no longer than 12 hours (that is, the fishermen return Surface longline fishing 13 Swordfish and tuna to port every day), vessels that generally operate within 12 Support 45 miles of the territorial sea and do not freeze or process their catch on board, providing fresh and local products. The fishing TOTAL 837 sector is mainly based on SMEs and family-owned companies, often with a single vessel, in which one or more members of the same family work. Data on catches (extracted from the first sale information at Catalan fish markets) by type of fish are summarised in table 1. There may be as many as 300 commercial species. However, SALES AVERAGE more than 75% of catches correspond to ten main species VOLUME PRICE TYPE CATCH (T) (€000) (€/KG) (Figure 2.1). Sardines and anchovies, the species caught by the seining fleet, by far represent the largest volume. Moreover, Trawling 9.043,59 59.468,80 6,58 more than 60% of the first sale volume at Catalan fish markets Passive gears 1.731,11 13.505,97 7,8 corresponds to 10 species, including red shrimps, which although they represent less than 2% of the overall catch ac- Purse Seine fishing 16.993,29 24.509,57 1,43 count for more than 15% of the first sale volume. (Figure 2.2). Bottom longline fishing 159,14 1.601,20 10,06 75 NOTA FALSA DEL PIE DE LA TABLA Surface longline fishing 439,24 2.889,53 6,58

Shellfish 314,61 2.648,73 8,42

Total 28.680,98 104.623,80

Table 1. Global catch data in Catalonia in 2016 (Source: Government of Catalonia75). 75 Fishing statistics (Government of Catalonia, 2016) http://agricultura.gencat.cat/ca/ambits/pesca/dar_estadistiques_pesca_subhastada/ 56 Scopes of action

The management of fishing activity is essentially based on the

76 FLYING EU Common Fisheries Policy and its regulations and is devel- SQUID oped in terms of technical management measures through the H. MACKEREL 77 Mediterranean Regulation . The latter regulates, for example, MANTIS prohibitions on fishing in Posidonia oceanica seagrass mead- SHRIMP ows and coral and maerl habitats, and the technical character- RED SHRIMP istics of fishing gears. In addition toany management meas- RED MULLET ures that may be fostered by the fishing authorities based on HORNET OCTOPUS the development of the Common Fisheries Policy, the Catalan COMMON OCTOPUS fishing sector stands out because it often acts on its own initi- HAKE ative, fostering local management plans for its fleets, and sup- SARDINE porting territorialised fishing management through temporary ANCHOVY closures or the management and distribution of fishing efforts in certain areas or fishing grounds. Figure 2.1. Contribution by weight of the ten main species of fish in the first sale (tonnes) In order to guarantee the visibility of the sector, the main chal- in 2016 lenges facing the Catalan fishing industry are the reduction of overfishing and the improvement of commercialisation, always taking into account the need to make progress in terms of environmental improvements to the Mediterranean Sea, which CUTTLEFISH is a transversal challenge for this sector and the rest of the SEA BREAM sectors involved and not involved in this strategy. RED MULLET The Catalan government, with the aim of meeting the major HORNET OCTOPUS current challenges, has adopted a new highly innovative and exclusive fishing management model, adapted to the charac- COMMON OCTOPUS teristics and needs of Catalan fishing and based on the old NORWAY LOBSTER governance mechanisms that were in place prior to industri- HAKE alisation, which the sector used for self-regulation. Based on SARDINE the experience gained in recent success stories, such as the ANCHOVY

Management Plan for Artisanal Fishing with Boat Seines RED SHRIMP (PGS), it is considered necessary to prioritise work in the scope of governance, specifically in the development of 2.2. Figure 2.2. The ten main species in terms of first sale turnover (thousands of euros) community-led fishing management structures based on in 2016.

76 Regulation 1380/2013 on the common fisheries policy https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32013R1380&from=EN

77 Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean Sea https://eur- lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/ LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:409:0011:0085:EN:PDF Scope of action 1 57

co-responsibility (co-management). Within the framework of the new model, each one of the parties involved and interested in achieving sustainable fishing with an ecosystem approach participates with equal decision-making power and assumes their share of responsibility in the management process. At the same time, the parties transact with respect to their initial pretensions with the aim of achieving a consensus THE MAIN CHALLENGES with the best result for the group as a whole. This governance model is covered in depth in the section corresponding TO CATALAN FISHING TO to Scope 4. ENSURE THE VIABILITY 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN To achieve viability and improve the competitiveness of the OF THE INDUSTRY ARE fishing sector, courses of action will be necessary in the following areas: TO REDUCE OVERFISHING

➔ Socio-economic programmes associated with AND IMPROVE MARKETING management plans The new professional fishing governance model expects fisheries management based on two pillars: multi-year management plans and the creation of co-management committees (see Scope 4). In accordance with the regulations (decree currently in the adoption process)*, management plans must include a socio-economic programme prepared by the actors in the fishery that must set and quantify economic and social objectives. This socio-economic programme must also develop measures to adjust production to market demand (bioeconomic management) and must assess the implementation of the most suitable commercialisation systems to increase the value of fishing products, in addition to incorporating local product promotion mechanisms to increase the value of local products and to inform the consumer of the value of co-management.

* Already adopted at the moment of performing this English translation from the original text in Catalan 58 Scopes of action

The Serrallo fishing quarter in Tarragona.

➔ Oily fish ering the price of Catalan anchovies and sardines and main- Sardines and anchovies are the fish species caught in greatest taining fishing activity that affects all points ofthe product’s numbers and they are also essential for the sector’s revenue. value chain. The EMC and its governance system will facilitate The fishing of these species, in addition to the associated eco- the implementation and monitoring of this plan. nomic activity, has been subject to major upheavals in recent years. Although it is a known fact that species of small pelagic ➔ Fishermen’s associations fish are characterised by presenting major year-on-year fluctu- Catalonia’s coastal fishing is organised around fishermen’s as- ations in their biomass levels, worrying trends have been de- sociations, institutions with deep historical traditions that date tected in relation to size reduction and the deterioration of their back to the old fishermen’s and seafarers’ guilds. They are condition (fat levels). This is of concern to the sector given that very active in the fishing sector, in which they also democrati- the market pays low prices for small, thin fish. Additionally, the cally represent the various sectors, gears and extraction and suitable commercialisation of these species, characterised by production activities within a single territorial scope78. The Cat- their large production volumes and foreign competition, con- alan fishing sector is structured into 32 fishermen’s associa- tinues to be a challenge for the sector. In this scenario, the tions, three territorial federations (Girona, Barcelona and Tarra- Government of Catalonia has instigated agreement on an Oily gona) and the Catalan Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. Fish Competitiveness Improvement Plan with the aim of recov- However, it is important to intensify collaboration between as-

78 Law 22/2002, of 12 July, on fishermen’s associations (Government of Catalonia, 2002). https://www.upf.edu/sintesi/2002/lju22.htm Scope of action 1 59

sociations and prepare projects with a shared vision. For this The bulk sale of fishing products with little information about reason, the EMC aims to foster collaboration between the as- the source of the catch currently predominates. It is neces- sociations (e.g. synergies and joint larger-scale actions) sary to strengthen the image of the product and the specif- through strategic planning, in addition to the adaptation of ic logos (such as “Venda de Proximitat” (Local Fish), “Peix fishing activity to the commercialisation of the product and the de Llotja” (Fish from the local Fish Market)80 and “Peix de improvement of first sale systems and infrastructures at local Cogestió” (Co-management Fish)81 implemented by the fish markets, with the aim of bridging the gaps between fishing Government of Catalonia. The aim of these logos is to foster supply, demand and practice. the consumption of local, fresh fish and the short supply chain from the fish market to the retailer or restaurant. The ➔ Producer Organisations logos enable the creation of the identity of the product to In order to stabilise the markets by making adjustments to make it stand out, establishing its own market and loyal supply and demand and guarantee the income of the sector’s customers. producers, the EMC aims to foster the constitution of Produc- er Organisations (POs) for both fishing and aquaculture. The POs may also play a fundamental role in the improvement of the transparency of the value chain and the traceability of IT IS NECESSARY TO CREATE ADDED VALUE the product from catch to final consumer. Often the traceability BASED ON THE MANY DIFFERENT QUALITIES OF of the product is lost in the commercialisation process. Label- FISHING PRODUCTS THAT GO BEYOND MERE ling and traceability are the main tools to indicate the source of CONSUMPTION: HEALTH, TASTE, ORIGIN, TRADITION the product. AND CULTURE

➔ Product value generation Fishing management should ideally assure the economic viability of the sector by reducing pressure on its resources. In this Additionally, it is necessary to develop a relationship between situation, economic profitability will not be based on the produc- the consumer and the fishing sector, enriching the purchasing tivity level (catches), but on the value of the products generated experience. Building a story about the local fishing activity and from the catches. Therefore, it is necessary to create added transmitting it to the consumer, sharing history and sentiment value, based on the multiple and various aspects of the product, with the community, and promoting knowledge of local and beyond simple consumption: health (properties of the fishing seasonal species may push consumer demand toward local product), taste (culinary value), origin (freshness and quality), tra- products, enhancing the value of species that are not prized dition and culture. Collaboration with research institutes may and therefore reducing the fishing pressure on the most ex- significantly contribute to the achievement of this goal79. ploited species.

79 Such as the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA)

80 http://www.peixdellotja.com/

81 In accordance with the socio-economic programme provided for in the decree on the governance model for professional fishing in Catalonia (currently in the adoption process) 60 Scopes of action

➔ Diversification of the fishing activity tion, interpretation centres, workshops for schoolchildren, cin- Another scope of action to increase the profitability of the sec- ema cycles, maritime activity centres, etc. linked to the world tor is to strengthen the promotion and diversification of its ac- of fishing. In short, the sector could, in certain contexts, act as tivity, enabling the generation of additional income for fisher- a stimulator and gateway to the world of maritime leisure at the men. Some potential actions that could be developed with the local scale (e.g. the establishment of local maritime leisure ser- leadership and involvement of the fishing sector, especially at vice provision centres or blue spaces). the local scale, are: the location and promotion of fishing’s architectural heritage (fishing ports, fish markets, shipyards and ➔ Reduction of CO2 emissions from fishing vessels coastal carpentry shops, fishing districts, lighthouses, etc.); An increase in the energy efficiency of a fishing vessel can lead the recovery of traditional buildings and crafts (canning facto- to lower costs due to the decrease in fuel consumption that is ries, fish-net makers, the fisherman’s job as told by the fisher- normally associated with a reduction in CO2 emissions. For men themselves, etc.); knowledge of natural spaces (coastal this reason, it is important to adapt the characteristics of the routes, natural parks, recovery of wetlands, etc.); fishing and vessel and gears to each specific fishing activity. Energy effi- aquaculture tourism initiatives (see specific chapter on -tour ciency improvement measures may be technological, such as ism); the development of aquaculture activities by fishermen’s those designed to reduce the resistance of the vessel and its associations; the stimulation of restaurants, rural accommoda- fishing gear; improvements to the vessel’s equipment; or oper-

Strategic Courses of Action

9. Development of specific socio-economic programmes for fishing in the framework of the management plans as stated in the Decree regarding governance of professional fishing in Catalonia 10. Implementation and monitoring of the Oily Fish Sector Competitiveness Improvement Plan 11. Implementation of a strategic plan for the management of the fishermen’s associations of Catalonia 12. Promotion of the constitution of Producers Organizations 13. Encouragement of initiatives aimed at improving the quality, identification and presentation of fishing products 14. Promotion of the consumption of Catalan fishing products through the accreditations: “Venda de Proximitat” (Local Fish Sale), “Peix de Llotja” (Fish from the local Fish Market) and “Producte de Cogestió” (Co-management Product) 15. Promotion of fishing tourism, fish tourism and other diversification initiatives led by the fishing sector, including “blue space” pilot projects 16. Development of a regulatory framework that facilitates the diagnosis of vessels’ energy efficiency, and assessment for its optimisation with reduction of CO2 emissions objectives Scope of action 1 61

Evolution of aquatic production in TN ational improvements, such as the adaptation of the speed of 5.000 82 the vessel to a specific activity . Fuel savings as a conse- 4.500 quence of the application of these measures may be consider- 4.000 able and have positive effects for both the profitability of the 3.500 activity and the environment. 3.000 2.500

2.000

1.500

1.4. A SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE THAT FULLY 1.000 83 BENEFITS FROM CATALONIA’S POTENTIAL 500

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Marine aquaculture in Catalonia has a long history. Mussels were being cultivated in Barcelona back in the early 20th cen- Figure 3. Evolution of marine aquaculture production in tonnes (Source: Government 83 tury in rafts located in the city port. In this sense it should be of Catalonia ) reminded that in Spain only Galicia is ahead of Catalonia in terms of the production of bivalve molluscs. Marine aquaculture in Catalonia is currently undergoing a re- sion of aquaculture and integrating the production sector and newal process in order to make it more sustainable and com- other institutions outside Catalonia, while maintaining its petitive and in closer contact with the consumer, and also to main focus on research and innovation. The XRAq now ex- develop Catalonia’s potential with regard to the use of availa- ports aquaculture scientific and technical excellence to the ble spaces as opportunities for investment and funding, and entire world. the application of its vast knowledge structure. The aquaculture of marine species in Catalonia is currently un- The Catalan administration has dedicated resources to im- dertaken in rafts and cultivation parks located in the Ebre delta prove scientific knowledge and apply it to aquaculture oper- bays and in cages and long-lines in the open sea along the ations. In 1997 the Government of Catalonia created the Ref- Catalan coast. The fish species that are produced include sea erence Network for Research and Development and bass and sea bream, and the bivalve molluscs are mussels, Innovation in Aquaculture of the Government of Catalonia, Pacific oysters and clams. To this production it must be added the XRAq. The priority objective of this network is the promo- the production resulting from the fattening of wild bluefin tuna tion of quality and interdisciplinary research in the scope of caught in a regular fishery. aquaculture in Catalonia in order to favour the exchange of In 2016, marine aquaculture operations generated first sale knowledge between public research and the production sec- revenues amounting to almost 17 million euros. With regard to tor. In recent years, the work of the XRAq has become in- the production volume, the sector currently exceeds 6,000 creasingly multidisciplinary, achieving a more transversal vi- tonnes; Figure 3 shows its evolution since 2001.

82 Improvement of the efficiency, sustainability and profits of the Catalan trawl fishing fleet http://nautica.gencat.cat/web/.content/05-escola-capacitacio-nauticopesquera-cat/documents/fitxers- binaris/ vii_resum_executiu.pdf

83 Fishing statistics (Government of Catalonia, 2016) http://agricultura.gencat.cat/ca/ambits/pesca/dar_aquicultura/ 62 Scopes of action Scopes of action

2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN To achieve the sustainable development of marine aquaculture, courses of action will be necessary in the following areas:

➔ Bivalve aquaculture PHENOMENA ASSOCIATED In Catalonia the aquaculture of bivalve molluscs is basically based on the cultivation of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). Of WITH CLIMATE CHANGE the 3,671.47 tonnes of mussels produced in 2016, 3,347.82 were from the mussel rafts in the Ebre delta bays of Els Alfacs ARE CAUSING INCREASING and El Fangar and 323.65 tonnes were from the longlines on the Catalan coast (Les Cases d’Alcanar and El Masnou). Mus- PROBLEMS TO sel production during the period from 1992 to 2015 almost always exceeded 3,000 tonnes per year, reaching a peak of AQUACULTURE 4,500 tonnes in 2014. The factors that have most influenced the fluctuations of this IN THE AREA production are the high temperatures experienced in certain years in the waters of the bays in the Ebre delta, sometimes resulting in high mortality rates among mussels. Phenomena associated with climate change are increasingly causing problems for aquaculture in this area; which needs to be overcome to guarantee the sustainability of these stocks in the future. It should be taken into consideration that mussels have been cultivated in the Ebre delta for more than 50 years. This strategy establishes courses of action to guarantee the sustainability of this activity. This strategy contemplates the implementation of co-managed sustainable bivalve aquaculture projects in the bays of El Fangar and Els Alfacs to meet the challenges of climate change; and to review and update the concession of the plots allocated in the area. Fostering the development of plots in open sea is also contemplated in order to increase the resilience of stocks in front of the climate change. Given the risks to which aquaculture production is subjected and the associated potential economic losses, the contracting of insurance will also be promoted to favour the viability of the companies. Scope of action 1 63

The advantages of bioflocs include improvements in biosafety and in food preservation, the more efficient use of water and soil and the quality control of the water of the stocks. These innovative production techniques form part of the pro- posals included in the new circular economy.

➔ Producer Organisations Io order to optimise the production, the commercialisation and, therefore, the profitability of the producers of the sector, the EMC aims to foster the constitution of aquaculture Produc- er Organisations to group the producers of the fishing and aq-

A man with a bag of mussels at the Port d'Illa fish farm in L’Ampolla. uaculture sector in order to improve the competitiveness of aquaculture companies.

➔ Aquaculture activity zoning ➔ Sustainable cultivation initiatives In the current maritime spatial planning context in accordance with European regulations, the zoning of aquaculture activities Multi-trophic aquaculture is a practice in which the waste of a is a particularly important aspect. There is currently a map of species (fish) is reused for other species (bivalve molluscs and aquaculture facility sites in Catalonia approved by a Govern- algae). This practice combines algae aquaculture with fish and ment of Catalonia Agreement in 2003 that needs to be updat- bivalve mollusc aquaculture with the aim of achieving more ed and adapted to the current aquaculture situation in Catalo- sustainable and diversified production. nia. There is also an exhaustive surveillance report on the The sustainable plant and fish production system that com- health of Catalan coast that should enable progress to be bines traditional aquaculture with hydroponics (cultivation of made in the zoning of aquaculture activities in Catalonia. Final- plants without soil, using water, mineral salts and nutrients) is ly, the establishment of a small number of aquaculture plots for known as aquaponics. In aquaponics, the waste from the fish specific aquaculture activities (bivalve molluscs and mul- that are in the water feeds the hydroponic system, in such a ti-trophic cultivation) will be fostered. way that the fish waste is decomposed into nitrites and subsequently into nitrates by nitrification bacteria. These nitrates are ➔ Other initiatives then used by plants as nutrients, allowing the water to be re- Another course of action consists of strengthening the promo- used for aquaculture. tion and diversification of aquaculture activities to generate Additionally, bioflocs are aquaculture production techniques additional income for the producers, such as the case of aq- that use a small volume of water in a small space shared by uaculture tourism and activities related to environmental edu- microalgae, bacteria, protozoa and organic matter to achieve cation. major aquaculture productions, given that the production of microbial mass in conjunction with the excess nutrients from the water, which are from fish remains or uneaten food, be- comes in turn food for the cultivated organisms. 64 Scopes of action

1.5. A NEW RECREATIONAL FISHING MODEL THAT in a vessel or underwater. In contrast, sport fishing is undertak- RESPECTS THE ENVIRONMENT en on a competitive basis within the confines of a fishing competition. In recent years these activities have shown continual growth, associated, in part, with the increase in tourism and In Catalonia recreational fishing is understood as a leisure ac- leisure activities in direct contact with nature. It is a significant tivity just for fun (not for profit) and may be enjoyed from shore, economic sector that acts on fishing resources and therefore needs a specific regulation that protects the resources without denying everyone’s right to fish. A licence is required to be able to fish as a non-professional in Strategic Courses of Action Catalonia. There are three types: the licence for surface recreational fishing, for fishing in Catalonia’s maritime and continental waters; the licence for underwater recreational fishing, for 17. Increase in resilience to climate change and underwater fishing, valid for continental and maritime recreation- the sedimentary drift of the production of al fishing in Catalan inland and offshore waters, which is under- bivalve aquaculture in the bays of El Fangar taken by swimming or free diving without any autonomous or and Els Alfacs through co-managed projects; semi-autonomous equipment or any other equipment that ena- review and updating of the current bles underwater breathing; and the licence for collective recre- concessions ational fishing, for surface maritime fishing from a vessel, valid 18. Development of bivalve aquaculture plots for continental and maritime fishing in Catalan inland and off- in open sea to improve resilience to climate shore waters. With regard to underwater fishing, a federation li- change cence is also necessary, acting as compulsory insurance, a civil 19. Promotion of insurance in aquaculture liability policy and a weapons licence. The federations offer 20. Support for initiatives on sustainable courses through federated clubs in order to publicise the regula- microalgae and macroalgae crops, multi- tions in force and the sport’s own rules and regulations. trophic aquaculture crops and the In Catalonia almost 74,000 people currently actively partici- diversification of aquaculture stocks in addition pate in recreational fishing in the sea. This activity is mainly to the development of aquaponics and biofloc carried out on the beach, with more than 50,000 people prac- 21. Support for the constitution of Producer ticing surface fishing. Fishing from a vessel, with some 20,000 Organisations in the scope of aquaculture people and more than 10,000 vessels, is in second place, and and of initiatives to improve the quality, finally underwater fishing with more than 3,000 licences. It identification and presentation of should be stated that there are recreational maritime fishing aquaculture products and promote the competitions, which are subject to authorisation from the consumption of local aquaculture products competent administration. Catch reports, even if nothing has 22. Zoning and spatial planning of aquaculture been caught, must be submitted to the directorate general re- activities within the Catalan maritime space sponsible for fishing and maritime affairs. 23. Support for sustainable aquaculture tourism According to the total number of recreational fishing licences, and other diversification initiatives the observed fishing frequency and the cost of the activity, it is estimated that the total catch of recreational fishing in Catalo- Scope of action 1 65

An underwater fisherman off the Catalan coast.

nia exceeds 480,000 kg per year, generating an economy in going beyond the current quantitative concept of management excess of €55 million84. (kilograms per day of fishing) to focus on management based The Strategic Goal associated with recreational fishing pro- on bag limits, that is the number of fish per day in accordance poses the development of a new recreational fishing model with the species and its size and also fostering the catch and with closer collaboration between the government, scientists release practice, especially in surface fishing competitions. and users to generate more knowledge, reduce impacts and take advantage of the opportunities of the sustainable devel- ➔ Recreational fishing areas and areas suitable for opment of the economy linked to this sector. fishing competitions The new model aims to make recreational fishing compatible 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN with other uses of the maritime space, preserving sensitive ar- The development of the new recreational fishing model will re- eas. For this reason, it is necessary to establish a map of the quire actions in the following areas: zones suitable for the development of recreational activity and competitions and special interest zones, along with their spe- ➔ Minimisation of the impact on the ecosystem and the cific limitations and/or regulations. resources of recreational fishing and fishing competitions ➔ Training practitioners and professionals One of the objectives of the new model is the reduction of the The training of the main actors: both practitioners and the pro- impact of the activity. For this reason, this strategy proposes fessionals involved (sellers of fishing material, captains of char-

84 Source. Directorate-General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs 66 Scopes of action

ter fishing vessels, yacht club and marina sailors, among others) is a key element of the new model. For this reason, this strategy proposes the preparation, with sector experts, of Strategic Courses of Action good practice protocols and dissemination material to allow the people that practice it to have reference information and 24. Minimisation of the impact of recreational procedures at their disposal. Is is also proposed to foster the fishing and fishing competitions on the provision of online and in- person training courses in order to environment disseminate the new model to everyone involved. 25. Planning of recreational fishing zones and The government currently issues recreational fishing licences zones suitable for fishing competitions without any requirements other than the payment of a fee. In 26. Improvement of training for practitioners order to guarantee knowledge of the regulations, especially and professionals aspects related to impact, compatibility with other activities 27. Development of new approaches for and safety, the establishment of an online test as a prerequisite managing the activity (e.g. bag limits) to the issuance of the licence is also proposed. 28. Development of regulations on all types of recreational fishing, including fishing ➔ New community-led activity support management competitions mechanisms This strategy proposes the involvement of the actors in the management of the activity, especially fishermen. For this reason, it is necessary to design IT applications for co-management (fisher- 1.6. MARITIME RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING man, federation, club, scientists and government) to enable the ACTIVITIES WITH LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT management of the activity and the collection and processing of THAT STIMULATE THE ECONOMY the data and indicators of recreational and sporting activity. In order to gather data on the activity, the strategy proposes the establishment of an online survey on the activity to be Catalonia has a long tradition of maritime recreational and completed in the validity period of the expired licence as a sporting activities. The beach has always served as both the compulsory prerequisite for licence renewal. The new model meeting point and the place where these activities are carried will also include the conversion of fishing competitions into en- out. Currently in Catalonia there are some 87 nautical schools vironmental monitoring instruments. and from 1995 to 2016 some 140,000 pleasure craft licences The participation of fishermen in fishing management (both rec- were issued. There are 174 authorised yacht clubs and 233 reational and professional) should also be recognised85, particu- authorised diving centres, forming a sizeable economic sector larly their collaboration with the scientific community. The crea- that in 2014 had a turnover of some €489 million86 from the tion of an annual prize for the ‘best fisherman’ and the ‘best sale of products and services. fishing club’ could be a significant incentive in this respect. The 47 port infrastructures that currently exist in Catalonia

85 Source. Directorate-General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs 86 Association of Nautical Industries, Commerce and Services (ADIN, 2017). http://adin.cat/ Scope of action 1 67

offer a total of 32,700 sports moorings for vessels of all sizes and are equipped with all the services that a practitioner may need. Recreational maritime activities generate approximately one job for every four moorings, allowing us to estimate the total employment figure to be some 8,200 people in Catalonia87. The Catalan administration positively value the benefits of WHILE RECOGNISING these activities in the territory, especially with regard to the infrastructures and economies of the municipalities and spac- THE BENEFITS THAT es where they take place, but it also takes into account the set of problems produced due to the pressure to which the RECREATIONAL MARITIME ecosystems where the activities take place are subjected and the need to guarantee the safety of the people that practice ACTIVITIES GENERATE them. In addition to the industrial processes involved in the manufacture and removal and/or recycling of vessels, the di- IN TERMS OF rect environmental impacts of nautical activity are related to pollution and waste from the consumption of fuels and lubri- INFRASTRUCTURE AND cants, the use of cleaning and maintenance products, and waste generated by the activity (packaging, biofouling, etc.). THE ECONOMY, IT IS ALSO Additionally, anchoring and the discharge of wastewater may also cause serious impacts88. In 2013, Catalonia promoted IMPORTANT TO TAKE THEIR recreational maritime activities that respect the marine environment through the BLAUCAT project. Within the scope of ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT this project, in 2016, it presented the ‘Guide for the stimulation of business and for product creation by maritime activity INTO ACCOUNT centres in Catalonia’89. Nautical activities undertaken with floating elements and pleasure crafts (up to 24 m in length) are included in different segments. This first covers all sporting activities regulated in Catalonia that are carried out in the sea (sailing, surfing and

87 Cruises and Recreational Boating in the Mediterranean (Plan Bleu UNEP/MAP, 2011). https:// planbleu.org/sites/default/files/publications/2-1-en_croisiereplaisance.pdf

88 Cappato, A., Canevello, S., Baggiani, B., 2011. Cruises and Recreational Boating in the Mediterranean. Nice, Plan Bleu UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre

89 http://nautica.gencat.cat/web/.content/01-nautica-esbarjo/documents/centres-activitats- maritimes/fitxers- binaris/guia-dinamitzacio-negoci-creacio-producte-turistic.pdf 68 Scopes of action

paddle surfing, windsurfing, powerboating, wakeboarding, Recreational fishing also determines also the type of vessel to sea kayaking, water skiing, kite-surfing, parasailing, rowing be used. Cabin cruisers proliferates in traditional recreational and banana boating90). This segment, which is not always car- fishing ports, while tall fishing vessels equipped for large-scale ried out at port facilities, is the most popular and is usually a pelagic fishing abound in other ports. person’s introduction to the sector. In addition to these maritime recreational and sporting activi- In this sense, the work undertaken by the Catalan Sailing Fed- ties, the Catalan sporting system includes the Catalan Sports eration, the Catalan Sailing School and the numerous yacht Federations, which are private entities of public and social clubs located on the Catalan coast should be highlighted. This interest dedicated to the promotion, management and coordi- segment generates passion among practitioners and fans, en- nation of the practice of sports. They are entities made up of genders positive attitudes and values, creates work for young sports clubs, sportspeople, trainers and coaches, judges, ref- erees, individuals and other private non-profit entities whose social purposes include the promotion and practice of physical sporting activity. The Catalan sporting federations that are re- 91 RECREATIONAL MARITIME ACTIVITIES GENERATE lated to the sea include three in which all their disciplines are APPROXIMATELY ONE JOB FOR EVERY FOUR undertaken at sea and six that use the sea for some of their MOORINGS. WE CAN THEREFORE ESTIMATE TOTAL activities92. EMPLOYMENT IN THESE ACTIVITIES AS AROUND There are also the Sports Councils of Catalonia, which are 8,200 PEOPLE IN CATALONIA private entities of public and social interest whose main objective is to promote sport and organise sporting activities for the schoolchildren of each region. They encourage people to play various sports at sports centres and focus on the transmission monitors and has a low environmental impact. The second of positive values. The Sports Councils on the coast are in- segment includes motorboats measuring 4 to 7 metres in volved in water activities practiced on the coast. length, which may be located in dry docks or marinas. The The paradigm shift away from buying has also stimulated ves- third segment includes pleasure crafts from 7 to 12 metres in sel rental companies and the charter industry. Numerous prod- length that are powered by engines or sails (the most popular ucts and services allow people to use recreational watercraft pleasure craft), which are located in marinas. And the fourth for days or hours on an exclusive basis or shared with others. segment covers vessels from 12 to 24 metres that are pow- This sector is growing and therefore its regulations should be ered by engines or sails, also located in marinas. analysed and adapted.

90 Decree 56/2003 regulating physical sporting activities in the natural environment

91 Catalan Federation of Underwater Activities with activities like free diving, competitive diving, altitude diving, sport scuba diving, underwater photography, free diving underwater photography, snorkelling, underwater orienteering, protection of underwater architectural heritage, and underwater video; Catalan Federation of Powerboating with activities for powerboats and jet skis; and Catalan Sailing Federation with the optimist, Europe, laser, A-class catamaran, finn, kite, 29er, 49er, 420, 470, catamaran, star, Eliott 6m, lateen, 2.4mR, and Catalan sail pedal boat disciplines

92 Catalan Federation of Sport Fishing and Casting with the maritime fishing disciplines; Catalan Swimming Federation with the open water discipline; Catalan Rowing Federation with the coastal rowing discipline; Catalan Federation of Surf Lifesaving, lifesaving events; Catalan Triathlon Federation, swimming stage; and Catalan Canoeing Federation with the sea kayaking discipline Scope of action 1 69

2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN This Strategic Goal will require actions in the following areas:

➔ Promotion of pleasure crafts while minimising its impact Stimulating the sector requires significant regulatory changes in accordance with new operating models, enabling owners of recreational vessels on registry seven (sport or non-profit fishing) to commercially operate them. Methods of promoting sailing could include encouraging people to buy this type of vessel rather than a motorboat by providing tax incentives. To stimulate this activity, it is also necessary to recover Catalo- nia’s seafaring identity and tradition. Accordingly, incentives should be provided for associations, entities and companies that recover traditional sailing vessels and use them for cultural and educational purposes. As sailing is a good example of a sustainable activity and a tool to learn values and attitudes, the promotion of its study and practice at secondary education schools could be justified. A new vision of this economic activity is required based on promotion, initiation, training and services, taking into account the principles of sustainability. The environmental sustainability (preserving, maintaining and recovering the marine environ-

An example of recreational maritime activity on the Catalan coast. ment), the social sustainability (facilitating access to the public and the incorporation of women, and ensuring territorial balance), and the economic sustainability of the activities and the efficiency in the use of resources. The sector, which is constantly innovating, has recovered from Finally, it is necessary to reinforce the structures and infrastruc- a crisis and is now facing a future full of challenges. There are tures to develop light sailing activities, activities with floating elderly owners of vessels who no longer use them, and young elements, and dry docks. Sailing centres and schools must people willing to pay to use a vessel because they cannot or become, along with charter services, a gateway to the sea for do not want to buy a vessel. There are entrepreneurs who are the public. launching charter activities and recreational maritime activities and there are obsolete regulations or no regulations at all for ➔ Training of practitioners certain practices. There are also other conditioning factors and The training of pleasure craft practitioners has taken great challenges to be faced by the actors. Entrepreneurs and busi- strides forward in recent years in Catalonia. The rationalisation nesspeople need new professional profiles to be defined and of training programmes, the incorporation of compulsory prac- they also need training for emerging occupations. tices and the use of simulators in the teaching of radio commu- 70 Scopes of action

This strategy proposes a new training model that incorporates these elements and other improvements with the aim to allow users the practice of professional recreational activities in a competently and safely way.

➔ Diving zones and activity areas of diving centres In the general framework of the planning of maritime spaces, it is necessary to make diving areas compatible with other uses of the maritime space, while preserving sensitive zones. For this reason, it is necessary to establish a map of the zones that are suitable for the development of this activity and their specific limitations and/or regulations, especially with regard to the number of dives, buoyed areas and the anchoring of vessels. The establishment of new requirements (teaching staff, ratios, safety protocols, etc.) in new planning initiatives will improve the quality and safety of the activity.

➔ Training of divers and diving centre instructors This Strategy contemplates the establishment of new certificates for divers and for diving centers instructors in accord-

A diver in the Illes Medes Nature Reserve, where underwater fishing is not permitted. Strategic Courses of Action nications are major advances. Unfortunately, many programmes 29. Promotion of pleasure craft activities while still focus training exclusively from the perspective of the activity, minimising its impact without taking into account the interactions with the environ- 30. Improvement of training for practitioners ment, the resources and other uses of the maritime space. 31. Planning of diving zones and activity Four fundamental aspects must be differentiated in the training of diving centres of practitioners: the suitability of the official programmes, the 32. Improvement of training for divers and diving quality of the theoretical and practical teaching provided by the centre instructors nautical schools, the suitability and assessment criteria of the 33. Regulatory development with aim of creating exams taken to obtain licences and, finally, complementary the conditions for a sustainable and safe training, advanced training and/or recycling and the accredita- model for maritime recreational and sporting tion of skills or the recognition of training courses in order to activities, and their centres obtain licences or STCW professional certificates. Scope of action 1 71

ance with the two international standards: ISO and CMAS. rials, fumes and toxic fluids93. However, the production of new This will enable, on the one hand, the full recognition and in- materials and technological innovation in the scope of ship- ternational accreditation of qualifications and certificates building can significantly reduce these impacts. and, on the other, improvements to be made to the training Moreover, the adaptation of the entire fleet to the new energy processes. paradigm is a global challenge and an opportunity for the industry in Catalonia, which is made up of small yards dedicated to the ➔ Regulatory development construction, repair and maintenance of recreational and fishing Given the diversity of this group, which organises and pro- vessels, but also for the appearance of a new industry associat- motes maritime recreational and sporting activities, for profit ed with the manufacturing and maintenance of vessels based on or for pleasure, and the continual increase in users, this strat- energy sustainability through the development of electric propul- egy proposes the regulation of the requirements to be met sion and new energy saving and efficiency technologies. and the material and personal resources required of the people and entities that intervene in these activities, with the aim of increasing the quality of the activities, guaranteeing the 93 Environmental and Climate Change Issues in the Shipbuilding Industry (OECD, 2010). rights and safety of the practitioners and protecting the natu- https://www.oecd.org/sti/ind/46370308.pdf ral environment.

1.7. A SUSTAINABLE SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR Strategic Courses of Action INDUSTRY

34. Access to technological innovation On the Catalan coast there are currently only a few small and programmes regarding vessel construction medium-size shipyards, which mainly build, repair and reno- and the developing measures to increase vate recreational and fishing vessels. However, these compa- the return of the activity to the territory nies have potential and relevance in growing markets (e.g. 35. Integration of the entire sector into the construction of coastal surveillance boats, repair of large win- future Catalan Maritime Cluster and tering yachts) and, moreover, they are necessary to serve relat- development of synergies and opportunities ed sectors. In Barcelona, in recent years, companies have both internally within this maritime sub- been evolved to offer quality services for large vessels and lux- sector and the general Catalan maritime ury yachts (longer than 24m), taking advantage of the city of sector Barcelona as a tourist attraction and transforming the port into 36. Reduction of the environmental impact of a reference point for this business activity. Consequently, a industrial processes associated with the large number of repair and refit companies have set up shop construction and repair of vessels, in to handle these vessels, stimulating the activity. addition to the promotion of rational waste Shipbuilding has a number of major associated impacts. On a management associated with the scrapping daily basis, construction, maintenance and repair activities in- of all types of vessels volve the generation and handling of a large number of mate- 72 Scopes of action

2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN ment of the energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction Given the strategic importance of the industry in Catalonia objectives set in the aforementioned PNTE and Climate and, above all, its potential, this Strategy incorporates the pro- Change Law. motion of this activity within a sustainable framework, consid- The most recent research ratifies the advantages in the Medi- ering the full life cycle of the product and minimising its im- terranean of systems based on floating wind turbines, which pacts at all stages, from construction to scrapping. have a lower impact on the marine space than seabed struc- tures96 and enable the development of projects at greater depths. In this sense, in France a project with these character- 1.8. DEVELOPMENT OF OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY istics is being developed in an area close to the Gulf of Lion97. This pilot farm will have 13 floating wind turbines, which will generate a total capacity of approximately 30 megawatts – In January 2017, the Catalan government approved the condi- enough to supply a city of 50,000 inhabitants. In the scientific tions for the Catalan Agreement for Energy Transition (PNTE), scope, Catalonia is home to the Catalan Institute for Energy with the aim of reaching 100% renewable energy by 205094. In Research (IREC), which was established to contribute to a August of the same year the Law on Climate Change95 was more energy sustainable future, taking into account economic adopted with the aim of transitioning to a society in which the competitiveness and providing society with maximum energy consumption of fossil fuels is non-existent, with a decentral- safety. ised energy system and with fully renewable and essential local energy in order to achieve an economic and energy model 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN that does not depend on fossil or nuclear fuels by 2050. Pho- In accordance with the above, this Strategy includes actions to tovoltaic solar energy and wind energy are the main options promote the use of wind energy using floating platforms locat- available in Catalonia to achieve a 100% renewable energy ed in Catalan maritime space. The development of offshore system, given that they are mature technologies or will be ma- wind energy is facing major challenges, requiring international ture by 2050, such as the case of deep-water offshore wind cooperation on the regional level. In this sense the EMC will energy. Therefore, the development of offshore wind energy in also explore opportunities for cooperation with neighbouring Catalonia is expected to play a fundamental role in the achieve- nations and funding opportunities in the European framework.

94 Conditions for the construction of the Catalan Agreement for Energy Transition http://icaen.gencat.cat/web/.content/10_ICAEN/17_publicacions_informes/11_altres_publicacions/arxius/2017072 0_PNTE_ang.pdf

95 Law 16/2017 on Climate Change http://portaldogc.gencat.cat/utilsEADOP/PDF/7426/1629244.pdf

96 Expected Effects of Offshore Wind Farms on Mediterranean Marine Life (Bray et al., 2016) http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/4/1/18

97 Projet d’implantation d’une ferme pilote d’éoliennes flottantes dans le Parc naturel marin du golfe du Lion (Parc naturel marin du golfe du Lion, 2015) Scope of action 1 73

in its incipient stages. The potential of biotechnological applications using fishing by-products (e.g. creation of new materi- Strategic Courses of Action als based on the chitin of crustaceans, use of fish oils for die- tary and medical purposes, etc.) should also be mentioned. 37. Design of a specific strategy for the development of offshore wind energy 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN in Catalonia In this scope, the EMC proposes studying and assessing the 38. Exploration of international cooperation development potential of marine biotechnology in Catalonia opportunities and funding for offshore wind based on the use of by-products of current marine operations energy projects and the knowledge of marine natural heritage, benefiting from experiences on the international level. In this sense, it is important to highlight that the Quebec-Catalonia Cooperation Pro- gramme included in its priorities for 2017 to 2019 the ex- 1.9. DEVELOPMENT OF CATALONIA’S MARINE change of experiences between the two governments in the BIOTECHNOLOGY POTENTIAL scope of marine biotechnology.

In 1994, the Government of Catalonia created the Reference Network in Biotechnology (XRB) of Catalonia, which has the Strategic Courses of Action priority aim of fostering quality, interdisciplinary research in the scope of biotechnology in Catalonia, in addition to favouring the exchange of knowledge between public research and the 39. Study and assessment of the development private sector; actively and critically intervening in the im- potential of marine biotechnology provement of the social perception of biotechnology; foster- in Catalonia ing collaboration with the industrial sector; and stimulating the 40. Integration of the entire sector into creation of new biotechnology companies. In 2016, Catalonia the future Catalan Maritime Cluster and was Spain’s leading region in terms of the number of biotech- development of synergies and opportunities nology user companies (21.21%). Of the 52 new biotechnolo- both internally within this maritime sub- gy companies created in Spain in 2015, 19 of them were in sector and the general Catalan maritime Catalonia98. sector Although there are already promising examples like the appli- 41. Promotion of the exchange of experience cation of microalgae in the cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and and international cooperation in the scope pharmaceutical industries and biomedical applications for ma- of marine biotechnology rine sponges, the development of marine biotechnology is still

98 Aid and incentives, Biotechnological Sector in Spain, September 2016, Ministry of the Economy and Competitiveness99 http://unfccc.int/paris_agreement/items/9485.php Scope of action 2 RESILIENT AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL MARINE ECOSYSTEMS Scope of action 2 75

he maintenance and strengthening of ecosystem services is a fundamental pillar of the 2018-2030 Strategic goals EMC in order to support the development of the blue economy. A good marine environ- This second scope of action includes two Strategic Goals: mental status is an essential condition to 2.1. Preserved, diverse and fully functional marine guarantee a robust maritime economy. In ecosystems that guarantee the provision of services to this sense, climate change is presented as a transversal chal- society lenge to the conservation of the marine environment and to the 2.2. A significant contribution to combating climate change in Teconomic sectors. the maritime environment, in addition to the effective Pressures due to human activity have overwhelmed the ca- management of its impacts pacity of many of the planet’s ecosystems. In marine ecosystems, the high concentration of activities and people in coastal zones exacerbates this and, moreover, increases the amount other greenhouse gases into atmosphere as a consequence of people exposed to the associated impacts. These human of maritime activity and, therefore, contribute to the interna- pressures are associated with pollution (direct, indirect, isolat- tional commitment of the Agreement of the Conference of the ed and/or widespread), different uses (coastal infrastructure Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Cli- and new activities) and the overexploitation of natural resourc- mate Change approved in 2015 (Paris Agreement99) to combat es (professional, recreational or linked to tourism). climate change by keeping the global temperature in this cen- The comprehensive management of the uses of the marine tury under two degrees centigrade. And the second is to con- environment within an integrated maritime policy requires tribute to the adaptation of the various economic activities to transversal planning that takes into consideration conservation the changes taking place as a consequence of climate change. objectives related to marine ecosystems and services. This is one of the objectives pursued by the Natural Heritage and Di- versity Strategy (EPNB) currently being developed in parallel to 2.1. PRESERVED, DIVERSE AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL this strategy by the Government of Catalonia. For this reason, MARINE ECOSYSTEMS THAT GUARANTEE THE the actions of this Scope of Action have been developed in PROVISION OF SERVICES TO SOCIETY coordination with the EPNB’s actions in the marine environment; and coordination between the government bodies responsible for implementing these actions is a key element to The preservation of biodiversity and of the good status of Cata- guarantee the development of a sustainable blue economy lan marine and coastal ecosystems is fundamental in order to compatible with the conservation of ecosystem services. continue enjoying the services that have enabled the develop- Climate change is already having notable effects on marine ment of much of the current coastal economy. Additionally, in ecosystems. The actions required in this respect are of two order to maintain and drive the current maritime economy, it is types. The first is to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and necessary to preserve and foster their diversity and functionality.

99 http://unfccc.int/paris_agreement/items/9485.php 76 Scopes of action

tion, change of uses and excess activity. Moreover, the negative effects of climate change on these ecosystems should now be considered. Although the conservation of the marine environment is an objective of this strategy in and of itself, the fact that practically all maritime sectors depend on the good health of the marine ecosystems elevates its degree of strategic importance in relation to the achievement of the rest of the objectives. Catalonia manages 11 spaces of the Natura 2000 network within the marine environment, in addition to other associated coastal systems. These spaces are home to protected species and habitats that are a priority at the European level, such as seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica), birds like Audouin’s gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii), reptiles like the logger head sea turtle (Caretta caretta), mammals like the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and bivalves like the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis). They are also crucial places for species of commercial interest, such as hake (Merlucius merlucius), mullet (Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus) and

Deep-sea coral in the Mediterranean. gilt-head sea bream (Sparus aurata). On the solely marine level, more than 85,000 ha are included in this habitat and biodiversity protection network. Moreover, one of the results of the LIFE+INDEMARES project was the expansion of this network with a new SCI (system of western submarine canyons of the Catalonia has identified almost 100 different marine and coast- Gulf of Lion, which, with 98,765 ha, is home to almost 2,200 al habitats100,101. However, probably due to their socio-eco- species, a quarter of the Mediterranean total102), and two new nomic interest, the general public is more familiar with some SPAs (the sea off L’Empordà with 90,114 ha, and the marine marine habitats than with others, such as the various algae space of the Ebre delta and the Columbretes Islands, with fields of marine phanerogams, coral, maerl, sand and detrital 901,708 ha). beds, rocky beds and caves. Additionally, the high concentra- For years the Catalan government has been committed to the tion of people and activities on the coast means these zones marine environment through the protection of areas of great are subjected to multiple anthropic pressures such as pollu- importance, such as the zone of the Medes Islands, Cap de

100 Manual of Habitats of Catalonia. Volume II Coastal and halophytic communities (DMAiH, 2008)

101 Manual of Coastal Habitats of Catalonia. (DTES, 2013)

102 The submarine canyons of the Gulf of Lion are home to a quarter of the species registered in the Mediterranean (MAPAMA, 2015) Scope of action 2 77

Creus, and Ses Negres on the coast of Begur. Monitoring has 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN revealed evidence of the spectacular recovery of the various This Strategic Goal includes courses of action necessary to communities and populations of fish. In the province of Girona, protect the functionality and diversity of the marine ecosys- the fishing sector itself is actively fostering the establishment of tems that sustain the development of the blue economy in the fish reserves, including areas that are totally closed off to fish- following areas: ing, and is seeing very positive results. In some protected marine spaces the state and evolution of ➔ Fisheries management the marine populations and habitats are assessed based on With regard to species of fishing interest, the current situation the analysis of biological descriptors, taking into account can be described as a generalised decline in resources, and in their environmental factors and the human activities that certain cases their stocks have reached a critical state. Spe- cies of importance from the commercial perspective, like hake (Merluccius merluccius), are showing clear signs of overfishing, reflected both in the reduction of the volume of catches THE FACT THAT PRACTICALLY ALL MARITIME and the size of individuals104. A recent study on the Mediterra- SECTORS DEPEND ON THE GOOD HEALTH OF nean scale analysed the evolution of the populations of ancho- MARINE ECOSYSTEMS ELEVATES ITS DEGREE OF vies and sardines in terms of their body condition and maxi- STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE AS REGARDS ACHIEVING mum size and concluded that these parameters have THE REST OF THE OBJECTIVES drastically diminished105. This is just one indication of the need for urgent actions like those included in this Strategy. In this sense, Catalonia has taken an innovative step forward through the passing of the new Decree on the Governance of Profes- take place there. The monitoring of marine biodiversity fo- sional Fishing in Catalonia. This decree establishes a new sys- cuses on Cap de Creus Natural Park and El Montgrí Natural tem for the management of fisheries based on management Park, the Medes Islands and El Baix Ter103. Studies are being plans with a comprehensive and long-term environmental, so- conducted on fish vulnerable to fishing; communities of vi- cial and economic sustainability approach while creating a col- olescent sea-whip (Paramuricea clavata) and red coral (Cor- legiate body with the participation of the government, the fish- allium rubrum); algae communities (macroalgae and maerl); ing sector, the scientific world, and the association/NGO world meadows of marine phanerogams, and noble pen shells to carry out the plan and its subsequent monitoring with (Pinna nobilis). co-management and co-responsibility criteria106. It should be

103 Biodiversity in Catalonia. The Challenge of Conservation (Government of Catalonia, 2012). http://www.gencat.cat/mediamb/publicacions/monografies/bd_conservacio/bd_catalunya_en.pdf

104 Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), Assessment of Mediterranean Sea stocks - part 1 (STECF-14-17) http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC66052/lbna24902enn.pdf

105 Brosset et al. (2017) Spatio-temporal patterns and environmental controls of small pelagic fish body condition from contrasted Mediterranean areas. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079661116301276

106 Decree .../2017, on the governance model of professional fishing in Catalonia (Government of Catalonia, 2017). http://agricultura.gencat.cat/ca/detalls/Article/Projecte-de-decret-sobre-el-model-de-governanca-de-la-pesca- professional-a-Catalunya 78 Scopes of action

said that the status of the ecosystems and fish stocks possibly responds to the cumulative effects of various anthropic impacts, which have decreased the resilience of the system. In this sense, beyond the reduction of fishing pressure, it is often necessary a comprehensive intervention to rehabilitate the ecosystems and fish stocks107.

➔ Barcelona’s coastal strip Human concentration along the coast has over the years increased the pressure associated with its activities on the associated natural ecosystems and, especially marine ecosystems. In this sense, the coastal strip of Barcelona is probably the coastal section of Catalonia with the greatest anthropic pressure and, moreover, with the highest human population exposed to impacts arising from the loss of quality of the ecosystems. Despite the evident improvements in the management of urban and industrial wastewater108 achieved with the application of the Water Framework Directive, there is still a long way to go in, A plastic bag in the Mediterranean near Almeria. for example, the minimisation of the negative effects of individ- ual episodes of direct discharges of water in periods of strong rain on the marine ecosystems. In the same sense, although the management of dredging and material discharges and the reducing the negative effects of human activities and improve development of infrastructure on the coast have improved, it is the quality of ecosystem services to the benefit of the whole necessary to continue making progress to recover a coastal society and foster blue growth. An ecosystem and comprehen- dynamic that enables the achievement of the good environ- sive approach to the problem is therefore necessary. The EMC mental status of the ecosystems and the maintenance of the plans to identify and quantify the anthropogenic impacts on the human activities that depend on them. Throughout the 20th coastal strip from 0 to 50 metres deep in the province of Bar- century, although the pressure associated with industrial activi- celona and develop an action plan for its ecologic recovery. ty or professional activities like fishing reduced, that based on activities related to the services sector, like tourism, increased. ➔ Knowledge and conservation of marine habitats In this sense and in accordance with regional and European The availability of information is key to be able to define objec- guidelines (Barcelona Convention), it is necessary to work on tives, plan instruments and suitably manage systems. In marine ecosystems, the complexity and cost of generating infor-

107 Bundy et al. (2017) Strong fisheries management and governance positively impact ecosystem status. Fish and Fisheries, Volume 18, Issue 3: 412–439 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ faf.12184/abstract

108 Decline of trace metal pollution in the bottom sediments of the Barcelona City continental shelf http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969716324627?via%3Dihub# Scope of action 2 79

mation mean that information is harder to come by than in other scopes. And Catalonia is no exception to this trend. Tak- ing into account the importance of knowledge for the planning, conservation and management of the marine environment, the EMC and the EPNB propose the coordinated and transversal gathering of information on marine habitats prepared by various scopes of research and the preparation of a bionomic MARINE PHANEROGAM map of the marine ecosystems. BEDS CONSTITUTE ONE ➔ Protection and conservation of marine phanerogams The available information has allowed progress to be made in OF THE MOST IMPORTANT terms of knowledge and the improvement of the protection and conservation of certain habitats, such as marine phan- CLIMAX COMMUNITIES erogam beds. These zones constitute one of the most important climax communities in the Mediterranean Sea, given that IN THE MEDITERRANEAN, they are ecosystems in which many marine species (some of which are of commercial interest) are born and develop, they SINCE THEY ARE attenuate the erosive effect of the sea and prevent coastal erosion, and they contribute to the mitigation of climate change109. ECOSYSTEMS IN WHICH Therefore, they are simultaneously considered to be a habitat of great ecological importance and a habitat of fishing interest. MANY MARINE SPECIES These habitats are subjected to strong pressures and, to guarantee their good environmental status, it is necessary to re- BREED AND GROW, AND duce the negative impact of human activities. The approval, for example, of a protection regulation in 1991110 and of the Pro- THEY ATTENUATE THE tocol of Good Practices in Mooring and Anchoring on the Cat- alan Coast111, has reduced the level of anthropic pressure on EROSIVE EFFECT OF these zones. However, it is necessary to continue working on the good environmental status and functionality of these eco- THE SEA AND HELP TO MITIGATE CLIMATE 109 Technical Dossier No 84 – Marine Phanerogams (DARP, 2016) https://ruralcat.gencat.cat/ documents/20181/128849/DLFE-59753.pdf/3e85a200-3cde-4c60-8490-26abbb0276b4 CHANGE 110 Order of 31 July 1991 on the regulation of marine phanerogam meadows (Official Gazette of the Government of Catalonia (DOGC) number 1479, 12.8.1991)

111 Protocol of Good Practices in Mooring and Anchoring on the Catalan Coast http://agricultura. gencat.cat/web/.content/08-pesca/a-mar-tots-responsables/enllacos-documents/fitxers-binaris/ Fanerogames_ProtocolBonesPractiquesFondeig_2016_RESUM_catala.pdf 80 Scopes of action

systems. In this sense, the EMC prioritises actions to complete This induced Catalonia’s fishing administration to take a step the cartographic delimitation of marine phanerogam fields forward in its protection and, in addition to strengthening the and, in accordance with their geographic distribution, the surveillance of furtive and illegal activities, approve a new legal preparation of a new regulation on the protection of beds of text to reduce the number of licences by half in 2017 and im- marine phanerogams through the delimitation of their occupa- plement a ten-year moratorium from 2018113. These measures tion zones. Additionally, in accordance with the indications of require the continuous monitoring of the evolution of the stocks the Protocol of Good Practices in Mooring and Anchoring on and strict control of the regulations in force. If illegal activity the Catalan Coast, support is also lent to a programme to in- that involves the seizure of coral colonies is detected, they will stall low impact mooring systems to make pleasure craft activ- be replant in accordance with a precise scientific protocol that ities compatible with the conservation of meadows of sea- has produced good results in the past. grass and other marine phanerogams, avoiding the impact of moorings with anchors and the use of fixed systems that do ➔ Unidentified or abandoned fishing gear not respect these habitats. Fishing gear that is lost at sea and continues to catch fish constitutes a waste of fishing resources. This pressure, known ➔ Red coral as ‘ghost fishing’, also has a negative impact on biodiversity In the case of red coral, which is on the IUCN Red List of and the benthonic habitats of our coastline. The EMC contem- Threatened Species, a scientific study commissioned by the plates actions to remedy such cases. Catalan government drew alarming conclusions, such as the First, a necessary intervention benefiting the ecosystems of fact that only 10% of the population was in an acceptable these habitats is, as a preventive measure, the periodic review of state of conservation. Red coral is the most emblematic coral the coastline to detect possible non-compliances in the signage species and one of the three species of fishing interest pro- and identification of fixed gear, illegal fishing gear and abandoned tected by EU fishing regulations112. One of the functionalities gear and accessories. This action will reduce the loss of nets in of this habitat is to provide shelter for a large number of com- the sea and uncontrolled and unauthorised fishing. mercial fish species, but it should not be forgotten that it is Additionally, to reduce the negative impact of abandoned gear one of the most spectacular marine ecosystems due to its and accessories, it will be necessary to carry out effective re- structure and large number of species, which provide it with moval operations and suitably manage them as waste. In this the potential to develop high-quality diving activities, under- sense, the EMC will promote the implementation of a scientif- water photography, etc. The value to society of coral is prob- ic-technical protocol for the removal of abandoned gear to, with ably much higher if it is kept alive in its habitat, where it can the scientific advice and collaboration of all the sectors involved, continue to provide ecosystem services and contribute to the entities and the general public, enable the government to act blue economy. effectively to minimise this pressure on the Catalan coast.

112 Council Regulation (EC) 1967/2006 concerning management measures for the suitable exploitation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean Sea https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32006R1967R(01)&from=EN

113 ORDER ARP/59/2017, of 7 April, reducing the number of licences for red coral (Corallium rubrum) fishing during he 2017 season and establishing the temporary suspension of fishing from the end of the current year’s season (Government of Catalonia, 2017). http://dogc.gencat.cat/ca/pdogc_canals_interns/pdogc_resultats_fitxa/?action=fitxa&documentId=783556&langua ge=ca_ES Scope of action 2 81

➔ Marine litter There is increasing evidence of the negative impacts of marine MARVIVA - UPCYCLING THE OCEANS litter on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. In this sense, this problem may be associated with direct or indirect economic It is a project to collect marine litter that started in losses due to the ecological or physical degradation of the 2016 at 14 trawl fishing ports in Catalonia. This marine space, the loss of biodiversity, the transportation of in- initiative arose from a collaboration between the vasive species and damage to fishing gear or during sailing. The impact on biodiversity and on the trophic chain of the in- Government of Catalonia’s MARVIVA project for the gestion of plastics and microplastics should also be men- collection and classification of marine litter, which tioned, as although the effects are not clear, it is starting to be has been implemented thanks to the fishermen of considered a major problem. the port of Barcelona since October 2015, and the Various studies indicate that almost 80% of this form of pollution is made up of plastic114 and that the main source is UPCYCLING THE OCEANS project, which the human activity on land. In Catalonia, the government, in con- ECOALF Foundation and the ECOEMBES junction with the professional fishing sector, has recently im- Integrated Management System for Packaging are plemented numerous initiatives to face this problem, such as implementing with the fishermen of Castelló and the Marviva project115 (see inset), whose aim is to recycle waste recovered from the seabed by fishermen during the Alacant in order to collect and reuse plastic PET course of their work. bottles to make thread to produce items of clothing. To reduce the negative impact of marine litter on marine biodiversity and ecosystems, the EMC will stimulate these initiatives The project works in the following manner: for the active removal of waste from the ecosystem and will • The fishermen voluntarily take the marine litter foster new actions to improve knowledge and awareness of this problem to be able to act on its source. they collect in their fishing nets during their work back to port. ➔ Protection of juvenile fish Improving selectivity to minimise unwanted catches in Med- • This litter is deposited in yellow containers iterranean fisheries is a considerable challenge and mainly bearing the logos of the project. focuses on preventing the capture of individuals under a minimum size established to protect immature individuals • Every two weeks or so the waste management (before they have reached sexual maturity). The high mul- company empties the containers. tispecificity of trawler fishing limits the scope of selectivity

114 Derraik, J.G.B., 2002. The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review. Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 44, Issue 9, pages 842-852

115 http://residus.gencat.cat/ca/ambits_dactuacio/tipus_de_residu/deixalles-marines/projectes/ projecte-marviva/ 82 Scopes of action

that can be achieved through technological improvements ing sector, and with the support of scientists and the admin- of fishing gear. For this reason, the ideal method to protect istration, measures have been implemented in Catalonia juvenile fish in our fisheries is spatio-temporal management, that over the years have proven to be highly successful, that is, establishing zones closed to fishing either perma- such as the cases of the prawn fisheries of Palamós and the nently or at certain times of the year. These zones are de- hake fisheries of Roses in the province of Girona. This has fined in accordance with the likelihood of the concentration inspired the recent establishment of a network of fishing of the young of certain species in accordance with scientific protection zones on the coast of the province of Girona, recommendations. In this sense, on the initiative of the fish- expanding the number of areas closed to fishing to five. It is

Strategic Courses of Action

42. Development of co-managed management moratorium implementation; replanting plans with the aim of recovering fisheries and of colonies in protected zones to recover coral keeping them at sustainable levels with a focus as an habitat of fishing interest on the ecosystem, and applying the 48. Minimisation of the negative effects of lost precautionary principle fishing gear on the marine ecosystems through 43. Reduction of the anthropogenic pressure on the preventive inspections and the effective removal coastal strip of Barcelona in order to foster its of fishing gear ecological recovery by identifying and 49. Reduction of the incidence of marine litter in quantifying the impacts and the development marine ecosystems through specific funding of a specific action plan and collaboration with competent 44. Integration and improvement of the available administrations and the fishing sector information about marine habitats in order 50. Strengthening of the network of fishing to prepare a map to support management protection zones (fish reserves) along the 45. Creation of fish and seafood protection zones Catalan coast as a tool to protect juvenile fish by preparing regulations on the protection of (improvement of selectivity) and the ecosystem habitats of fishing interest such as marine 51. Reduction of bycatches of protected species phanerogams (birds and turtles) during fishing by providing 46. Reduction of the impact of maritime training to the sector and implementing recreational and sporting activities on marine technical measures phanerogam fields by installing low-impact 52. Preparation of a prevention plan to identify mooring systems exotic invasive species and halt/manage their 47. Assessment of the state of red coral propagation populations and monitoring and control of the Scope of action 2 83

a joint initiative of the fishermen’s associations of Blanes, greatest presence of exotic invasive species and, moreover, Palamós and Roses with the scientific participation and this situation is expected to become even worse in the future support of the government. due to the effects of climate change and the degradation of Therefore, this strategy proposes the strengthening and habitats. expansion of the current network of fishing protection In this sense, in a coherent manner with the EPNB, the EMC zones in order to guarantee the protection of juvenile fish will support the preparation of an exotic species prevention and thereby favour the recovery of stocks subjected to plan with the aim of halting their arrival and managing their fishing pressure. propagation. In the case of invasive species of commercial value, a possible option consists of incentivising their fishing (e.g. ➔ Bycatch of protected species the blue crab in Les Terres de l’Ebre). Some fishing gears unintentionally interact with protected species like birds, turtles, cetaceans and sharks. Even though cases are not common, they may have a strong im- 2.2 A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO COMBATING pact on the different species and, moreover, may result in CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE MARITIME ENVIRONMENT, major losses for fishermen due to the damage sustained by AND AN EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF ITS IMPACTS their gear. The government has collaborated with and supported various research centers and bodies to work on reducing the interaction between artisanal fishing activity and According to the Third Report on Climate Change in Catalonia the bycatch of non-target species, which is an interaction (2016)117, the sea off Catalonia is getting warmer at a rate of that nobody wants116. 0.3ºC every decade, with a rise in the sea level of approximate- Therefore, specific training actions and the collaboration of ly 4cm in the same time period. These variations, combined fishermen and scientists and other organisations will be fos- with isolated overheating episodes in the summer, impact the tered in the adoption of measures to prevent such bycatches marine ecosystems. Some of the most affected biological and/or minimise their adverse effects. communities are coral reefs, where there are episodes of mass mortality that are difficult to recover from. Seagrass fields, sub- ➔ Invasive species jected to various anthropic pressures, as described above, are The arrival and expansion of exotic invasive species consti- also sensitive to temperature changes and sea level variations. tutes the second cause of biodiversity loss on the global scale These meadows play an important role as a CO2 sink, known and, therefore, represents an urgent challenge to be faced. In as blue carbon, and therefore their conservation is essential for this sense, prevention will be the key to avoid the negative the mitigation of climate change. impacts of this problem. In the marine environment, the Medi- As the aforementioned report states, in the pelagic ecosys- terranean is already one of the regions of the planet with the tem, although the gross primary production of phytoplank-

116 Trawl-line fishing. How to reduce the bycatch of marine birds (Government of Catalonia, 2016). http://agricultura.gencat.cat/ca/ambits/pesca/proteccio-recursos-litoral/mar-som-responsables/pesca-palangre- reduir-captura-accidental-aus/

117 Third Report on Climate Change in Catalonia http://cads.gencat.cat/web/.content/Documents/Publicacions/tercer-informe-sobre-canvi-climatic- catalunya/TERCER_INFORME_CANVI_CLIMATIC_web.pdf 84 Scopes of action

ton increases in accordance with the models, it does not phere. Various studies warn of the potentially deleterious ef- result in an increase in net plankton production because res- fects of the reduction of oceanic pH on the physiology and piration also increases. The distribution of species is affect- biology of marine species equipped with external calcareous ed, in such a way that there is a displacement to the north of structures. certain species and an increase in the presence of species Unfortunately, these changes act synergically and in the same from lower latitudes. Other effects on biodiversity are found direction as many other anthropic pressures. Therefore, miti- in relation to jellyfish, which are more present on the beach- gation and adaptation need suitable regulation of the activities es as a result of mild winters, less rainfall and warmer sum- that have an impact on the marine environment, such as fish- mers. Certain toxic algae are also favoured by a warmer and ing, tourism, and nautical recreational activities. The collabora- more stratified sea. tion of research groups and the coordinated monitoring of cli- The impact of climate change on marine ecosystems will in- mate parameters like the protection of singular habitats are evitably produce alterations to their ecosystem services. With also necessary120. Catalonia currently has an extensive and regard to fishing, according to the data of the Intergovern- diverse climate change research base, including research mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change may groups that belong to a variety of public institutes and to the cause a decrease in catches of as much as 20% in the period private sector, which intensely participates in European re- from 2051 to 2060118. This reduction is solely attributed to search projects. Mention should be made of the 11 CERC In- the increase in temperature, which is estimated to be 3 or stitute centres, 4 CSIC centres and 88 research groups. The 4ºC at the end of the century with respect to the period from contributions made by the Catalan Institute for Energy Re- 1986 to 2005. search (IREC), the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (IS- Climate change will also affect aquaculture, such as in the Global) and the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC- case of bivalve molluscs in the rafts of the bays of the Ebre CNS) are also particularly relevant. The resulting scientific delta. They must adapt to the new environmental conditioning production is substantial. factors that climate change is introducing in the delta. To face these impacts, in 2012 Catalonia adopted the Cata- Mention should also be made of the acidification of the lan Strategy for Adapting to Climate Change121, and more ocean119 due to the effect of the increase in the concentration recently, in August 2017, the Law on Climate Change122. With of CO2, which although not a specific effect of global warming regard to the marine environment, the key lies in increasing is a parallel effect of the emissions of this gas into the atmos- the resilience of the ecosystems, for example through the ap-

118 Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (AR5). (IPCC, 2014). http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg2

119 Fabry et al. (2008). Impacts of ocean acidification on marine fauna and ecosystem processes, ICES Journal of Marine Science https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/65/3/414/789605/Impacts-of-ocean-acidification-on- marine-fauna-and

120 Third Report on Climate Change in Catalonia (Government of Catalonia, 2016). http://cads.gencat.cat/web/.content/Documents/Publicacions/tercer-informe-sobre-canvi-climatic- catalunya/TERCER_INFORME_CANVI_CLIMATIC_web.pdf

121 http://canviclimatic.gencat.cat/web/.content/home/actualitat/docs/escacc.pdf

122 Law 16/2017 on Climate Change http://portaldogc.gencat.cat/utilsEADOP/PDF/7426/1629244.pdf Scope of action 2 85

Aerial view of the Ebro Delta.

plication of measures that favour an increase in biodiversity ural spaces located within the biogeographic limits. With re- and the functionality of the ecosystem in terms of space and gard to fishing, the main measure to be applied is a transition time. These actions must be prioritised in the protected nat- from the isolated management of stocks to the ecosystem 86 Scopes of action

management of fishing resources based on a holistic ap- model fully based on renewable energy by 2050 (see SG 1.8 in proach that takes into account knowledge and uncertainties Scope of Action 1). with respect to the biotic and abiotic components and the interactions of the ecosystem123. The promotion of low-im- 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN pact fishing on the coast is also included as an adaptation Although this strategy contemplates specific SCAs to contrib- measure. Additionally, it is necessary to generate more ute to combating climate change and specific adaptation to it knowledge through a network of marine climate indicator ob- within this Strategic Goal, as this is a transversal aspect it is servatories on the entire Catalan coast in order to promote also covered in many other SCAs included in other SGs. With research into how to increase the resilience of the most vul- regard to adaptation to climate change, SG 2.1 includes 11 nerable habitats and species. SCAs with the aim of increasing the resilience of the ecosys- In accordance with a monitoring and assessment study con- tems through the protection and increase of their biodiversity ducted by the government within the framework of the Catalan and therefore of their functionality. With regard to fishing pres- Strategy for Adapting to Climate Change, there is a still a long sure, SCA 42 makes specific mention of the recovery of fish- way to go in the scope of climate change adaptation in fishing, eries through management plans with an ecosystem ap- aquaculture and marine ecosystems, largely because it is a proach. Other key SCAs to contribute to the achievement of large-scale environment, difficult to access and subject to this SG are related to scientific collaboration (SCA 2) and to many other impacts124. the design and implementation of a maritime scope environ- From another perspective, climate change represents a chal- mental monitoring network (SCA 86), which must include cli- lenge to the development of maritime sectors and in turn to mate indicators. their contribution to the mitigation of climate change. The In the specific SCAs of this SG the Strategy proposes start- 2012-2020 Energy and Climate Change Plan of Catalonia in- ing with an assessment of the impact of climate change on cludes specific actions in the maritime environment. Maritime the fishing resources in conjunction with the preparation of transport, especially short sea shipping, contributes to the re- adaptation strategies. With regard to contributing to combat- duction of atmospheric emissions when compared to road ing climate change, it proposes the promotion of the use of transport125. renewable energies in the activities of the fishing and aqua- Also, in the field of energy, the installation of offshore wind culture sector and a reduction in atmospheric emissions from farms, which has been carried out at other locations, like the fishing vessels. The use of electrotechnologies for propul- North Sea, and is currently under way in nearby French Medi- sion, storage, cooling systems, etc. could play a major role in terranean waters, would contribute to the reduction of atmos- this respect. pheric emissions and to finally meet the goal of the Catalan Moreover, as mentioned in SG 1.7 on sustainable vessel con- Agreement for Energy Transition (2017) of achieving an energy struction and repair activities, the adaptation of the fleet to the

123 Fisheries Management: 2. The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries. (FAO, 2003). http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/Y4470E/Y4470E00.HTM

124 Monitoring and assessment of the Catalan Strategy of Adapting to Climate Change (Government of Catalonia, 2017). http://canviclimatic.gencat.cat/en/politiques/politiques_catalanes/ladaptacio_al_canvi_climatic/escacc/seguiment-i-avaluacio-de-lescacc/index.html

125 Analysis of recent trends in EU shipping and analysis and policy support to improve the competitiveness of short sea shipping in the EU. (COWI, 2015) https://ec.europa.eu/transport/sites/transport/files/modes/maritime/studies/doc/2015-june-study-sss-final.pdf Scope of action 2 87

new energy paradigm is an opportunity for the emergence of a new industry associated with the manufacture and maintenance of vessels based on energy sustainability through the development of electric propulsion and new energy saving and efficiency technologies. THE USE OF ELECTROTECHNOLOGIES COULD PLAY A MAJOR Strategic Courses of Action ROLE IN HELPING THE 53. Development of a comprehensive assessment of the impact of climate change FISHING INDUSTRY on the Catalan sea’s pelagic ecosystem and preparation of an adaptation strategy COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE 54. Promotion of the use of renewable energies in the activities of the fishing sector and at aquaculture facilities through the dissemination of initiatives and the mobilisation of resources 55. Establishment of CO2 emission reduction goals for fishing vessels, and the establishment of inspection protocols (see SCA 16) 56. Promotion of industrial development in the scope of electrical propulsion and of emerging technologies in energy saving and efficiency for all types of vessels Scope of action 3 IMPROVEMENT OF CITIZENS’ QUALITY OF LIFE Scope of action 3 89

he promotion of the development of the blue economy on the global level is justified mainly due to its potential for the wellbeing and 2018-2030 Strategic goals prosperity of society, representing, among other things, a major contribution to the This third Scope of Action has three Strategic Goals: growth of employment126. However, the ben- 3.1. A society close to the sea and the maritime activities efits of the sustainable and balanced devel- 3.2. A rooted local and social economy in the maritime opment of the blue economy are more than just economic. For sectors TCatalonia the sea is a defining element in terms of cultural, 3.3. Social recognition of the role of women in the maritime identifying and artistic values. Moreover, it is a common good scope and fostering their involvement in the sectors in terms of the wellbeing for the population, providing a space for wealth where multitude of leisure activities and sports take place or just to enjoy. The maritime heritage of Catalonia is immense and dates back Archaeology Museum of Catalonia) works to safeguard this to its first human settlements. However, it tends to be under- heritage. appreciated by the general public. This worrisome fact has led There are numerous institutes also working in Catalonia to to the creation of numerous institutes and entities, which in raise awareness about the environmental values of the marine 1990 came together for a project entitled ‘The Sea of Muse- environment and the importance of its preservation through ums’ with the aim of fostering the management of the heritage educational and dissemination actions. and culture in the maritime scope. Subsequently, in 2007, this The importance of the local important roll of the economy project was crystallised in the creation of the Network of Cata- linked directly to the sea should also be stressed. Gastronomy lan Coast Maritime Museums with the aim of safeguarding and and leisure linked to the sea and fishing products are major protecting maritime heritage, fostering its study, contributing to attractions for coastal towns and are essential to the genera- its dissemination and raising awareness among the public of tion of wealth and employment. In this scope the Fisheries Lo- its importance as part of Catalan culture and history127. cal Action Groups (FLAGs) are a key tool in terms of bringing With regard to the underwater heritage, more than 800 ar- together local agents for a common territorial strategy. chaeological sites have been documented in Catalonia, the Finally, the extraordinary vitality and growing popularity of all vast majority of which have recently been affected by human types of nautical and maritime sports, many of which are actions, with the loss of historic information that this entails. backed by powerful federations that work to promote their The Underwater Archaeology Centre of Catalonia (CASC – practice and dissemination, should also be mentioned.

126 OECD (2016), THE OCEAN ECONOMY IN 2030, OECD Publishing, Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264251724-en

127 http://museusmaritims.mmb.cat/item/52-benvinguts-a-la-xarxa-de-museus-mar%C3%ADtims-de-la-costa-catalana.html 90 Scopes of action

3.1. A SOCIETY CLOSE TO THE SEA AND THE 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN MARITIME ACTIVITIES The actions related to this Strategic Goal are aimed at promoting natural, cultural and social values associated with the sea, and fostering public participation in activities related to mari- The sea provides resources and services of indubitable val- time culture, including sport. In this sense, education provides ue, from the regulation of the climate to diet. Moreover, it has a great opportunity, given that the whole society is guaranteed led to a deeply maritime culture and has traditionally been to be subjected to this content. This Strategy therefore pro- and continues to be a great source of artistic inspiration. poses equipping the marine environment with a transversal Sharing these values with society is fundamental to raise presence in schools, improving marine training and knowledge awareness about the sustainable development of blue growth in the various educational stages, including vocational training. and the opportunities offered on both the economic scale Sport, for example, provides a great opportunity to promote and the social scale. public participation in activities related to maritime culture (“Blue Sport”). The plan is also to stimulate the dissemination of maritime heritage in Catalonia currently undertaken by institutes and museums. THE STRATEGY PROPOSES GIVING Additionally, this strategy includes courses of action to foster THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT A TRANSVERSAL an active attitude within society with regard to participation in PRESENCE IN TEACHING AND IMPROVING activities (social, cultural, sporting, etc.), the development of KNOWLEDGE OF IT AT ALL EDUCATIONAL good practices related to the conservation of the environment, STAGES and the gathering of information of importance to science (citizen science). It is very important to raise the general public’s awareness of the need to protect the marine environment from a community perspective. An important factor in Catalan culture that is closely related The aim of this Strategic Goal is to disseminate knowledge to the sea is the Mediterranean diet, inscribed in 2013 on of the values associated with the sea and its activities to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural society as a whole, and to promote activities related to the Heritage of Humanity128, in which local fish and seafood cultural and natural heritage associated with the sea, in ad- products play a major role. But the Mediterranean diet is not dition to sports. From the scientific perspective the Catalan just limited to food but is understood to be a ‘set of skills, Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (ICRPC), for exam- knowledge, rituals, symbols and traditions concerning ple, could significantly collaborate in the achievement of this crops, harvesting, fishing, animal husbandry, conservation, SG. As already stated in SG 1.6 on maritime recreational processing, cooking, and particularly the sharing and con- and sporting activities, the coastal Sports Councils of Cata- sumption of food’. lonia can also play an important role in the fostering, organisation and promotion of sports amongst the schoolchildren of each region. They encourage people to play various sports at sports centres and focus on the transmission of positive values. 128 https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/mediterranean-diet-00884?RL=00884 Scope of action 3 91

Strategic Courses of Action

57. Scheduling of training courses for teachers environment and, in general, the comprehensive in educational centres regarding the marine knowledge of all its dimensions environment and its economic, cultural 62. Provision of information regarding the activities and leisure activities in the marine environment, as well as the 58. Promotion of education on the marine anthropogenic and climate change impacts environment in all stages of compulsory on ecosystems and biodiversity; preparation education, from a broad and inclusive of specific good practice protocols perspective 63. Facilitation of public access to nautical 59. Strengthening of the dissemination of the activities through fostering boat rentals (with maritime heritage of Catalonia through or without a captain), sailing and traditional institutions and museums, in addition to public navigation participation and community involvement 64. Marine environment awareness, preservation in related cultural activities and knowledge based on community 60. Dissemination of the benefits, attitudes involvement and revitalisation in the territories and values emerging from a direct relationship 65. Fostering of public collaboration and with the sea in the performance of cultural, participation in the gathering of information educational, sporting and leisure activities in from marine ecosystems (citizen science); the marine environment assessment and promotion of the use of ICTs 61. Strengthening of nautical and maritime sports 66. Dissemination of the benefits of the as the public’s gateway to the marine Mediterranean diet, especially those associated environment, integrating respect for the with the consumption of fish and seafood

3.2. A ROOTED LOCAL AND SOCIAL ECONOMY IN THE for young people and dignifies traditional professions, like fish- MARITIME SECTORS ing, and new ones, like those related to aquaculture and emerging sectors (see Scope of Action 1), it is necessary to work in various directions at the same time. The towns on the Catalan coast are characterised by the strong presence of tourism. Additionally, this sector may pro- 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN duce effects such as seasonal employment, higher house The actions proposed to foster the local economy and develop prices and the loss of cultural values. Therefore, in order to the social economy are diverse and related to the following create a diverse economic fabric that provides opportunities spheres of action: 92 Scopes of action

L'Ametlla de Mar, seen from the port.

➔ Community-led Local Development and Fisheries (EMFF) are the framework documents in which the partner- Local Action Groups ships that make up the Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) Community-led Local Development is a tool that the European agree the scopes of actions to be pursued to achieve the pri- Commission and the Government of Catalonia have placed at ority objectives of a delimited territorial scope, following a so- the disposal of the fishing territories in order to provide local cio-economic analysis of the territory and a community-led responses to social, environmental and economic challenges, decision-making process. There are currently two FLAGs in and create a network of opportunities for growth and improve- Catalonia: Terres de l’Ebre and Costa Brava. ment aimed at the coastal communities. This decentralisation The strategic objectives of the CLLD Strategies are aimed at instrument, based on diversification and the bottom-up gener- boosting the economy of fishing areas, strengthening social ation of synergies, in which the actors in the territory can plan cohesion and protecting the maritime territory through the fol- and execute actions, has an impact on the life of the popula- lowing specific objectives: strengthening economic growth, tion and may translate new ideas into reality. increasing the added value of fishing products by strengthen- The Community-led Local Development Strategies (CLLD ing their position in the commercialisation chain, social inclu- Strategies) of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund sion, the protection and creation of jobs and the fostering of Scope of action 3 93

employability and labour mobility in coastal communities that the young in the specific scope of fishing and the establish- depend on fishing and aquaculture, including the diversifica- ment of mechanisms to enable the generational succession tion of activities within the framework of fishing and with re- of fishermen are proposed to generate attractive and quality spect to other sectors of the marine economy (emergence of employment. synergies). The CLLD Strategies to be applied during the period from 2014 to 2023 in Catalonia will dynamically implement a public contribution from the EMFF of €7.70 million, co-funded by the Euro- Strategic Courses of Action pean Union (85%) and the Government of Catalonia (15%). Additionally, as described in Scope of Action 1, fishermen’s associations are institutions with a deep historical tradition that, 67. Reinforcement and support to the along with the associations of aquaculturalists, deserve to be stimulating role of the FLAGs as a blue recognised as agents of the social economy and their employ- economy development vector at a local ment maintenance work deserves to be strengthened, given scale and as synergy catalysts among local that it fosters generational succession and also the promotion, maritime actors recovery and preservation of natural and cultural heritage. 68. Recognition of the role of the fishermen’s associations and aquaculturalists’ ➔ Training and employment associations as agents of the social As highlighted by the European Commission in its communi- economy (integration into intersectoral cation on the development of the blue economy in the western social economy structures); and Mediterranean129, this region is facing a major paradox: the strengthening of their participation in youth unemployment rate is very high (14 to 58%), while the initiatives that recognise, promote and value maritime industry cannot find the staff with the training and the historic, cultural, tourism and culinary qualifications it needs. The cause is identified as a lack of co- heritage of fishing and aquaculture, and of operation and dialogue between industry and education. Giv- the profession of fisherman through local en the importance of generating employment for young people initiatives on the local level, this Strategy contemplates actions to identi- 69. Identification of the needs for qualified staff fy the need for qualified staff in the Catalan maritime sector in Catalonia’s maritime sector and the and facilitate their training. This course of action must tackle facilitation of their training problems concerning dialogue between industry and educa- 70. Creation of training and hiring mechanisms tion in order to cover certain needs that are basic for the that guarantee generational succession in growth of the blue economy in Catalonia. fishing Moreover, in relation to intergenerational actions that are be- 71. Support for small companies in the maritime ing taken, promoting mutual learning between the old and sectors 72. Promotion of local sustainable tourism initiatives in Catalonia on a national and

129 Initiative for the sustainable development of the blue economy in the western Mediterranean international scale COM(2017) 183 final 94 Scopes of action

➔ Other actions Actions are also planned to support small companies in the maritime sector by facilitating access to specific funding and promoting local, sustainable tourism initiatives to drive local economies.

3.3. SOCIAL RECOGNITION OF THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE MARITIME SCOPE AND FOSTERING THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE SECTORS

The presence of women in the maritime scopes and sectors is still low. According to statistics concerning the Special Social Security Scheme for Sea Workers, women only account for 2.6% of employment in the fishing and aquaculture sector. The nautical, sporting, recreational and leisure scopes, in contrast, are the ones that register a larger representation of women, Carmeta Barberà, a net maker from Roses, is among the women awarded the Fishing with 29% of employment, and there has been small, but sus- Medal for their long dedication to the craft. tained growth in recent years. With regard to nautical and fishing training, the presence of women ranges from 8 to 15% of the total number of students, depending on the course. authorised diving centres, in only eight is the technical director With regard to fishermen’s associations, the presence of wom- a woman (3.4%), and of the 174 authorised nautical centres en is truly negligible: around 1%. Like in the rural scope, the 61 are owned by a natural person, of which only three are presence of women in decision-making positions is almost women (4.9%). non-existent. In fact, in the scope of fishing the situation is In 2016, Catalonia created the Programme for Women in Rural worse: only one of the current total of 32 fishermen’s associa- and Coastal Communities of Catalonia 2016-2020 (PDMRM tions is headed by a woman. However, it is increasingly com- 2016-2020)130 in response to the needs manifested by the mon to find women in the role of the fishermen’s association sector and the mandate of the Parliament of Catalonia through secretary, which is a management role. Law 17/2015 on the equality of men and women, which aims Other sectors also present a very low proportion of women in to contribute to the effective implementation of gender equality leadership positions. In relation to aquaculture, of the 191 fa- policies in the rural and maritime spheres. Many of the objec- cilities in Catalonia, only 13 are owned by women (6.8%). Ad- tives of this programme are of special relevance in the maritime ditionally, of the 87 sailing schools authorised in Catalonia in scope, such as: fostering the improvement of the women’s only three is the academic director a woman (3.5%), of the 233 training, increasing the visibility of women and the recognition

130 http://dones.gencat.cat/web/.content/03_ambits/mon_rural/Programa-de-dones-2016-2020_Angles.pdf Scope of action 3 95

of their work, fostering the development of business projects undertaken by women, promoting the women’s participation in the diversification of economic activities, fostering the presence of women in professional associations, and increasing the presence of women in decision-making bodies. IN 2016, CATALONIA 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN The actions related to recognising and fostering the role of LAUNCHED THE women in the maritime scope are aimed at contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the Programme for Women in PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN Rural and Coastal Communities of Catalonia 2016-2020. IN RURAL AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES OF CATALONIA 2016-2020 IN Strategic Courses of Action RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS IDENTIFIED BY THE SECTOR 73. Increase the visibility of women in the maritime sector and the recognition of the AND THE MANDATE OF THE work they do (through information, training, PARLIAMENT OF CATALONIA awards, etc.) 74. Stimulation of the constitution of women’s THROUGH LAW 17/2015 ON associations in the maritime scope 75. Foster the development of business projects THE EQUALITY OF MEN AND led by women 76. Empowerment of women through specific WOMEN, WHICH AIMS TO training in the fishing and aquaculture sector CONTRIBUTE (owners, fishing professionals and spouses) in relation to business management TO THE EFFECTIVE 77. Promotion of women’s participation in the diversification of economic activities in the IMPLEMENTATION OF maritime environment 78. Promotion of women’s participation in GENDER EQUALITY training and access to professional and POLICIES IN THE RURAL leisure activities in the maritime environment AND MARITIME WORLD Scope of action 4 AN INNOVATIVE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK TO DRIVE THE STRATEGY AND GUARANTEE ITS OPERABILITY Scope of action 4 97

he Maritime Strategy of Catalonia includes a framework of actions firmly committed to establishing an integrated maritime policy that 2018-2030 Strategic goals enables economic, social and environmen- tally sustainable development. It is a com- This fourth Scope of Action has three Strategic Goals: mitment that combines activities that take 4.1. Fully developed and consolidated innovative place in the marine environment within the management and co-management participation framework of the planning and management of the various mechanisms Tgovernment ministries, which will coordinate the application of 4.2. Excellence in scientific advice for management the various SCAs in accordance with their corresponding pur- 4.3. Use of maritime spatial planning as a tool to achieve an integrated maritime policy views. The aim of the EMC is not to be a simple list of actions fostered by the various government departments, but to incor- porate an innovative governance model that enables progress to be made towards the integration of the maritime sectors within a common synergy generation framework. Accordingly, cooperation, Catalonia contributes its experience in the sub- this last scope of action is key to the implementation of actions ject, given that, as this Scope of Action of the Strategy shows, in a coherent, coordinated, effective and balanced manner. In it is providing innovative responses to the major challenge of short, it is a question of achieving an Integrated Maritime Poli- governing sectorial activities within the framework of the sus- cy of the type pursued by the EU in recent years. tainable development of the blue economy in an integrated The governance model applied to this Strategy is based on the and participative manner. empowerment of the actors and the design and implementation of co-management mechanisms (multi-actor participative management), based on excellent scientific advice. 4.1. FULLY DEVELOPED AND CONSOLIDATED Catalonia is currently a leader in the application of co-manage- INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT AND CO- MANAGEMENT ment in fishing, with internationally recognised success sto- PARTICIPATION MECHANISMS ries. The challenge is now to scale this unique valuable experience to the whole of Catalonia and adapt it to the integrated maritime policy level and to the promotion of blue growth, rec- Catalonia needs a paradigm shift in the management models ognising the great opportunity that this EMC represents, as it of its productive activities. It is necessary to move from a cen- is the first in Catalonia’s history. tralised and sector-based approach to an integrated and multi-actor approach, as reflected in the Government Agreement ➔ The EMC’s contribution to global ocean and sea on the creation of the Maritime Action Programme of the Gov- governance initiatives ernment of Catalonia approved in December 2016. The objec- Catalonia is actively participating in political processes related tive of the program is to develop the instruments necessary for to the governance of oceans and seas, both internationally a maritime policy with the aim of rising to the challenge of de- and regionally (see Introduction). This participation ensures veloping the blue economy in a sustainable and harmonious Catalonia’s leading position in terms of the development of its manner through the comprehensive management of industrial integrated maritime policy. In turn, within the framework of this activities that have an impact on Catalan maritime space. In 98 Scopes of action

compliance with the mandate of the Programme, this Strategy will be responsible for developing and fostering instruments and methodologies to be applied in the achievement of the aforementioned objective. Co-management is a bottom-up governance model that al- lows all those involved to take part in the decision-making pro- THE GOVERNANCE MODEL cess within a framework of interaction and co-responsibility. This bottom-up mechanism has manifested the effectiveness APPLIED TO THIS of working together rather than imposing, and of making decisions by consensus of all the actors. STRATEGY IS BASED In the specific case of professional fishing, the Decree onthe Governance of Professional Fishing in Catalonia will soon be ON THE EMPOWERMENT adopted*. This model will execute fishing management based on two fundamental pillars: multi-year management plans, and the OF THE ACTORS AND creation of collegiate bodies, one specifically for each management plan, called Co-management Committees. These Co-man- THE DESIGN AND agement Committees have been conceived with the aim of achieving fishing sustainability within bioeconomic management IMPLEMENTATION and within the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy framework. They will be made up of representatives of the government, the fishing OF CO-MANAGEMENT sector, the scientific community and civil society, and they will have the capacity to agree and execute in an adaptive manner MECHANISMS (MULTI- technical measures based on scientific knowledge, the experience of the fishermen and the operation of the model by learning ACTOR PARTICIPATIVE from the ongoing provision of feedback. Although the Governance Decree is still in the publication MANAGEMENT) GUIDED phase*, it should be stated that some of Catalonia’s fisheries are already being managed in accordance with the planned BY SCIENTIFIC ADVICE model. They include boat seine fishing, dredge fishing, shrimp fishing in certain fishing grounds of Girona and hake fishing in the Gulf of Roses. OF EXCELLENCE Experience in these management plans will be important to be able to scale the model and extend it to the rest of the sectors and methods in the same maritime space within the framework of the new Catalan Maritime Co-management Council.

Already adopted at the moment of performing this English translation from the original text in Catalan Scope of action 4 99

2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN lation with the rest of the scopes, in addition to all the minis- The strategic plan for the development and implementation of tries with responsibility for the various matters. community-led management and co- management mecha- The structure, composition and operation of the CCCM, in- nisms to support the EMC is made up of actions related to the cluding its internal governance, will be established in the near following priorities: future through the corresponding Decree, within the framework of a broad participative process. ➔ Catalan Maritime Co-management Council The Catalan Maritime Co-management Council (CCCM), cre- ➔ Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) ated by Law 5/2017131, which adapts and expands the func- It is necessary to recognise and assess the importance of the tions of the defunct Fishing and Maritime Affairs Council of sectoralsectorial stimulation implemented by the Fisheries Lo- Catalonia, will be key to the development and application of cal Action Groups (FLAGs) described in Scope 3 of this strat- this Strategy. The CCCM is the heart and driver of this Strate- egy. As tools to develop the blue economy in the territory or- gy and the body that will review and validate its content and ganised around fishing, the FLAGs are already yielding very carry out its adaptive monitoring in real time, agreeing any positive results with regard to governance and the impact of amendments and improvements it considers necessary. It actions on the territory. The FLAGs must prepare and apply a must also plan and validate interdepartmental collaboration local integrated strategy for coherent territorial development mechanisms to enable the development of the strategic ac- based on a bottom-up approach. The FLAGs must ensure tions planned by each administrative unit and the supervision that the critical mass of resources is sufficient to provide firm of their monitoring. support for their local development strategy, including the ad- The CCCM is a participative body and as such it must facilitate ministrative and management capacity necessary to adminis- the equal integration of all the actors in the definition, develop- ter their economic resources and to assure the effective implement and implementation of maritime policies. It applies the mentation of the proposed operations. These conditions principles of co- responsibility and co-management between define the type of association and the foundations of its oper- the public administration and the sectors involved in the devel- ation. Accordingly, they are associations that132: bring together opment of the blue economy, the scientific world and tertiary – on an equal footing – entities from the public, private and sector organisations, with the aim of guaranteeing the good civic society sectors; ensure that they work together to identify environmental status of the sea, socio-economic development and pursue the achievement of common goals; are long-term, in the maritime space and the maintenance of ecosystem ser- that is, they go beyond a single project or short-term cooper- vices that are essential for the future development of fishing, ation; involve the sharing of risks and benefits between all the aquaculture, nautical recreational activities, tourism and oth- partners; and recognise that in working together, building on ers. All these scopes must be represented on the Council and complementing each other’s strengths and assets, the based on their subject, impact on the environment and interre- partners are stronger.

131 Law 5/2017, of 28 March, on fiscal, administrative, financial and public sector measures and on the creation and regulation of taxes on major commercial establishments, on stays at tourist establishments, on radiotoxic elements, on packaged sugary drinks and on carbon dioxide emissions http://aplicacions.economia.gencat.cat/wpres/AppPHP/2017/pdf/VOL_L_MES.pdf

132 Farnet Guide 1. Area-based Development in EU Fisheries Areas (EC, 2010) https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/cms/farnet/files/documents/FARNET_Start-up_Guide-1_EN.pdf 100 Scopes of action

➔ A Laboratory of Sustainable Maritime Initiatives The Laboratory of Sustainable Maritime Initiatives of Catalo- nia’s (LIMSCAT) mission will be to identify and foster good practices in Catalonia’s maritime scope and disseminate them abroad, and to promote the identification and replication in Catalonia of good practices implemented in the international scope. In this sense, it will act as an agent of stimulation for the CCCM and will seek to open the door to new ways of working, new courses of action, etc. In short, it will act as a think tank in relation to the development of the blue economy in Catalonia, seeking synergies with the Virtual Knowledge Platform fostered by the WestMED Initiative implemented by Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). The LIMSCAT will be attached to the current Nautical-Fishing Training School of Catalonia, given that its actions will be exe- cuted in the scope of the CCCM.

➔ Territorial management: El Baix Empordà pilot case As a result of the concerns of the various actors in the territory on the impacts of the uses and activities developed in the coastal marine ecosystem of El Baix Empordà, the Catalan government has started a participatory process in the territory to contribute to the sustainable development of the area. The aim is to work in conjunction with all the actors on an integrated planning model in order to make the uses and activities Improving the egg-to-adult vaibility of molluscs in Garraf county. developed in the marine space compatible with the conservation of the ecosystem services, upon which the economic and social fabric of the area will depend in the future. This pilot experience is contributing to the formation of a new multi-actor and multi-sector co- management model for the In this sense, the FLAGs may be considered to be the first maritime territory, which can be replicated and exported to level of local governance in the stimulation and development of other areas. It is a course of action undertaken in association the blue economy. with the Catalan Heritage and Biodiversity Strategy. Moreover, initiatives for cooperation between national and international FLAGs offer the opportunity to strengthen the ➔ Exchange of experiences with other countries and role of the local communities by exchanging experiences territories with similar maritime strategies and they lend visibility to their relevance at the Mediterrane- Within the context of the current international focus on blue an level. growth policies, various states and territories have developed Scope of action 4 101

or are in the process of developing similar national maritime 4.2. EXCELLENCE IN SCIENTIFIC ADVICE FOR strategies. In this sense, it is important to establish coopera- MANAGEMENT tion and experience exchange mechanisms to take advantage of bilateral institutional relations. In the case of Quebec, this aspect has been included in the new biannual mixed pro- The transition to the new integrating management model with gramme of cooperation. an ecosystem approach favoured by this Strategy requires the adaptive support of an excellent interdisciplinary scientific advice in the maritime scope.

2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Strategic Courses of Action Guaranteeing scientific advice that satisfies the needs of the new maritime policy of Catalonia will require actions related to 79. Design of the architecture and operational the design and consolidation of the following structures: mechanisms of the CCCM, as the organ responsible for validating, monitoring ➔ The Catalan Research Institute for Ocean Governance and adapting the EMC The full operability of the Catalan Research Institute for Ocean 80. Establishment of specific training for Governance (ICATMAR), created through Decree 42/2017 and the members of the Co-management attached to the Directorate-General of Fisheries and Maritime Af- Committees and of the CCCM fairs, must be one of the EMC’s priorities. This institute will chan- 81. Establishment of a maritime research nel much of the monitoring and scientific work and the gathering committee within the CCCM to establish of the data necessary for management, and it will perform a com- research and training priorities prehensive assessment to enable the sustainable management 82. Consolidation of a community of actors of marine and maritime activities that is similar to that being imple- involved in the development of the blue mented in other territories and countries in Europe. economy in the North-western Mediterranean based on the FLAGs of the sub-region ➔ An environmental variables monitoring network 83. Creation of the Laboratory of Sustainable Good scientific advice to support the integrated and sustaina- Maritime Initiatives of Catalonia (LIMSCAT) ble management of the various sectorial activities that take 84. Consolidation of a co-managed, multi-actor, place in the marine environment will require the ongoing provi- territorial management model for the coastal sion of a series of environmental variable data with suitable spaces and development of a pilot spatial coverage. The data gathering potential could signifi- management plan for the coast of El Baix cantly increase through the strategic generation of synergies Empordà between the various actors and between the actors and the 85. Establishment of a structured bilateral scientific world, and the availability of fixed and mobile plat- exchange programme with other political forms with the potential to collect them. The design of a data entities with similar maritime strategies in gathering network that includes all the current stations and the international scope adds new ones will benefit the availability of these data and, therefore, the efficacy of scientific recommendations. 102 Scopes of action

4.3. USE OF MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING AS A TOOL Strategic Courses of Action TO ACHIEVE AN INTEGRATED MARITIME POLICY

The European directive establishing a framework for maritime 86. Development and consolidation of the spatial planning133 established the framework for the planning ICATMAR as the government’s reference of maritime space, where the Member States are responsible advisory body in the fishing scope and, and competent in relation to the designation and determina- in general, the maritime scope (without tion, within their marine waters, of the format and content of prejudice to the role of other scientific this planning. Maritime spatial planning is presented as a fun- institutes in the scope of monitoring for damental tool to lend coherence to the cohabitation of mari- management) time activities, maximise synergies between sectors and pre- 87. Design and implementation of an vent adverse effects on the environment and people. environmental variables monitoring network in the maritime scope, maximising the use of the available fixed and mobile infrastructure; re-launching of projects to re- establish 133 Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 historical series of data (e.g. XIOM network) establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014L0089&from=ES

Aerosurf in the Bay of Palamós. Scope of action 4 103

The Catalan government will contribute to providing a response erboating, among others; and (iii) activities with vessels: sailing to the fundamentals of this directive, participating in the prepa- and motorboating, guided tours and recreational fishing from a ration of maritime spatial planning to determine the temporal vessel, among others. Navigation and transport and in general and spatial distribution of current and future activities and uses. port activity, concessions of various types, scientific research, Currently, a variety of professional activities take place in Cata- and new sectors subject to future development, such as off- lonia’s maritime space, such as fishing, aquaculture, profes- shore wind energy should also be added to this list. sional diving and maritime tourism, in addition to a variety of All these activities result in major competition for space and leisure activities, generally linked to a maritime activities centre produce an impact on the environment that must be regulat- (sailing school, diving centre or sailing centre) or a fishing and ed. This makes it essential to plan the maritime space and aquaculture tourism centre. The latter can be classified as fol- have a balanced legal framework in place to allow stakehold- lows: (i) fish tourism activities or activities linked to a fishing and ers to make good use of the space with minimal impact on the aquaculture tourism centre; (ii) activities without vessels, such environment and biodiversity. as recreational fishing (surface fishing and underwater fishing), recreational diving, snorkelling and other activities related to a 2018-2021 MULTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN diving centre; (iii) activities with floating elements, such as wind- Strategic actions related to this objective are aimed at collab- surfing, surfing, paddle surfing, fly fishing, kayaking, canoeing, oration for the implementation of Directive 2014/89/EU of the rowing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding, pedalo sailing, water ski- European Parliament and of the Council establishing a frame- ing, parasailing, ski bus, banana, rafting, light sailing and pow- work for maritime spatial planning.

Strategic Courses of Action

88. Establishment and implementation of a work plan for the planning of maritime space in Catalonia with the participation of all the stakeholders within the CCCM, and coordination of the contribution of Catalonia to the implementation of Directive 2014/89/ EU of the European Parliament and Council, establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning 89. Zoning and planning of aquaculture activities within the Catalan maritime space, through the updating of the locations map of aquaculture facilities in Catalonia

Scopes of action, strategic goals and strategic courses of action of the 2018- 2021 strategic plan 106 Scopes of action, strategic goals and strategic courses of action of the 2018- 2021 strategic plan

SCOPE OF ACTION 1: Sustainable, integrated and harmonious development of the blue economy that respects the human uses of the sea

SG 1.1: SG 1.3: A STRONG, MODERN AND PROPERLY DIMENSIONED A COMPETITIVE FISHING SECTOR COMMITTED TO MARITIME SECTOR, BASED ON KNOWLEDGE BIOECONOMIC MANAGEMENT 1. Evaluation of the development potential of the blue 9. Development of specific socio-economic programmes economy in the Catalan maritime space from the for fishing in the framework of the management plans perspective of an Integrated Maritime Policy as stated in the Decree regarding governance 2. Promotion of the structuring of a scientific network of professional fishing in Catalonia of excellence in the maritime scope in Catalonia 10. Implementation and monitoring of the Oily Fish Sector 3. Creation of a Catalan maritime cluster Competitiveness Improvement Plan 4. Establishment and maintenance of a specific database 11. Implementation of a strategic plan for the management related to maritime activities (investment levels, of the fishermen’s associations of Catalonia production, direct and indirect employment, waste, 12. Promotion of the constitution of Producers Organisations impact on the environment and others) 13. Encouragement of initiatives aimed at improving the 5. Review and strengthening of protocols oriented to health quality, identification and presentation of fishing products and safety at sea 14. Promotion of the consumption of Catalan fishing products through the accreditations: “Venda de SG 1.2: Proximitat” (Local Fish Sale), “Peix de Llotja” (Fish from A MODERN AND SUSTAINABLE MARITIME TOURISM the local Fish Market) and “Producte de Cogestió” 6. Design of pilot actions to promote land activities for (Co-management Product) cruise tourists and foster the return of this type of tourism 15. Promotion of fishing tourism, fish tourism and other to the territory diversification initiatives led by the fishing sector, 7. Development of responsible maritime tourism initiatives including “blue space” pilot projects related to natural and cultural heritage and consolidation 16. Development of a regulatory framework that facilitates of a European or regional network to integrate them the diagnosis of vessels’ energy efficiency, and 8. Definition of quality standards as the foundation for assessment for its optimisation with reduction certifying responsible maritime tourism of CO2emissions objectives 107

SG 1.4: SG 1.6: A SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE THAT FULLY MARITIME RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES BENEFITS FROM CATALONIA’S POTENTIAL WITH LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THAT 17. Increase in resilience to climate change and the STIMULATE THE ECONOMY sedimentary drift of the production of bivalve aquaculture 29. Promotion of pleasure craft activities while minimising in the bays of El Fangar and Els Alfacs through co- its impact managed projects; review and updating of the current 30. Improvement of training for practitioners concessions 31. Planning of diving zones and activity of diving centres 18. Development of bivalve aquaculture plots in open sea 32. Improvement of training for divers and diving centre to improve resilience to climate change instructors Promotion of insurance in aquaculture 19. 33. Regulatory development with the aim of creating the 20. Support for initiatives on sustainable microalgae and conditions for a sustainable recreational sailing model macroalgae crops, multi-trophic aquaculture crops and the diversification of aquaculture stocks in addition to SG 1.7: the development of aquaponics and biofloc A SUSTAINABLE SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR 21. Support for the constitution of Producer Organisations INDUSTRY in the scope of aquaculture and of initiatives to improve 34. Access to technological innovation programmes the quality, identification and presentation of aquaculture regarding vessel construction and the developing products and to promote the consumption of local measures to increase the return of the activity to the aquaculture products territory 22. Zoning and spatial planning of aquaculture activities Integration of the entire sector into the future within the Catalan maritime space 35. Catalan Maritime Cluster and development of 23. Support for sustainable aquaculture tourism and other synergies and opportunities both internally within diversification initiatives this maritime sub-sector and the general Catalan maritime sector SG 1.5: Reduction of the environmental impact of industrial A NEW RECREATIONAL FISHING MODEL THAT 36. processes associated with the construction and repair RESPECTS THE ENVIRONMENT 24. Minimisation of the environmental impact of recreational of vessels, in addition to the promotion of rational waste fishing and fishing competitions management associated with the scrapping of all types 25. Planning of recreational fishing zones and zones suitable of vessels for fishing competitions 26. Improvement of training for practitioners and SG 1.8: professionals DEVELOPMENT OF OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY 27. Development of new approaches for managing 37. Design of a specific strategy for the development the activity (e.g. bag limits) of offshore wind energy in Catalonia 28. Development of regulations on all types of recreational 38. Exploration of international cooperation opportunities fishing, including fishing competitions and funding for offshore wind energy projects 108 Scopes of action, strategic goals and strategic courses of action of the 2018- 2021 strategic plan

SG 1.9: Maritime Cluster and development of synergies and DEVELOPMENT OF CATALONIA’S MARINE opportunities both internally within this maritime sub- BIOTECHNOLOGY POTENTIAL sector and the general Catalan maritime sector 39. Study and assessment of the development potential of 41. Promotion of the exchange of experience and marine biotechnology in Catalonia international cooperation in the scope of marine 40. Integration of the entire sector into the future Catalan biotechnology

SCOPE OF ACTION 2: Resilient and fully functional marine ecosystems

SG 2.1: installing low-impact mooring systems PRESERVED, DIVERSE AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL 47. Assessment of the state of red coral populations and MARINE ECOSYSTEMS THAT GUARANTEE THE monitoring and control of the moratorium PROVISION OF SERVICES TO SOCIETY implementation; replanting of colonies in protected zones 42. Development of co-managed management plans with to recover coral as an habitat of fishing interest the aim of recovering fisheries and keeping them 48. Minimisation of the negative effects of lost fishing gear on at sustainable levels with a focus on the ecosystem, the marine ecosystems through preventive inspections and applying the precautionary principle and the effective removal of fishing gear 43. Reduction of the anthropogenic pressure on the coastal 49. Reduction of the incidence of marine litter (in marine strip of Barcelona in order to foster its ecological ecosystems through specific funding and collaboration recovery by identifying and quantifying the impacts with competent administrations and the fishing sector and the development of a specific action plan 50. Strengthening of the network of fishing protection zones 44. Integration and improvement of the available information (fish reserves) along the Catalan coast as a tool to about marine habitats in order to prepare a map protect juvenile fish (improvement of selectivity) and the to support management ecosystem 45. Creation of fish and seafood protection zones by 51. Reduction of bycatches of protected species (birds and preparing regulations on the protection of habitats turtles) during fishing by providing training to the sector of fishing interest such as marine phanerogams and implementing technical measures 46. Reduction of the impact of maritime recreational and 52. Preparation of a prevention plan to identify exotic invasive sporting activities on marine phanerogam fields by species and halt/manage their propagation 109

SG 2.2: through the dissemination of initiatives and the A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO COMBATING mobilisation of resources CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE MARITIME ENVIRONMENT, 55. Establishment of CO2 emission reduction goals for AND AN EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF ITS IMPACTS vessels, and the establishment of inspection protocols 53. Development of a comprehensive assessment of the (see SCA 16) impact of climate change on the Catalan sea’s pelagic 56. Promotion of industrial development in the scope ecosystem and preparation of an adaptation strategy of electrical propulsion and of emerging technologies 54. Promotion of the use of renewable energies in the in energy saving and efficiency for all types of vessels activities of the fishing sector and at aquaculture facilities

SCOPE OF ACTION 3: Improvement citizens’ quality of life

SG 3.1: respect for the environment and, in general, the A SOCIETY CLOSE TO THE SEA AND THE MARITIME comprehensive knowledge of all its dimensions ACTIVITIES 62. Provision of information regarding the activities in 57. Scheduling of training courses for teachers in educational the marine environment, as well as the impacts of centres regarding the marine environment and its anthropogenic and climate change on ecosystems economic, cultural and leisure activities and biodiversity; preparation of specific good practice 58. Promotion of education on the marine environment in protocols all stages of compulsory education, from a broad 63. Facilitation of public access to nautical activities through and inclusive perspective fostering boat rentals (with or without a captain), sailing 59. Strengthening of the dissemination of the maritime and traditional navigation heritage of Catalonia through institutions and museums, 64. Marine environment awareness, preservation and in addition to the participation of the public in related knowledge based on community involvement and cultural activities revitalisation in the territories 60. Dissemination of the benefits, attitudes and values 65. Fostering public collaboration and participation in the emerging from a direct relationship with the sea in the gathering of information from marine ecosystems (citizen performance of cultural, educational, sporting and leisure science); assessment and promotion of the use of ICTs activities in the marine environment 66. Dissemination of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, 61. Strengthening of nautical and maritime sports as the especially those associated with the consumption of public’s gateway to the marine environment, integrating products from the sea 110 Scopes of action, strategic goals and strategic courses of action of the 2018- 2021 strategic plan

SG 3.2: 77. Promotion of women’s participation in the diversification A ROOTED LOCAL AND SOCIAL ECONOMY IN THE of economic activities in the maritime environment MARITIME SECTORS 78. Promotion of the participation of women in training 67. Reinforcement and support to the stimulating role of the and access to professional and leisure activities in FLAGs as a blue economy development vector at a local the maritime environment scale and as synergy catalysts among local maritime actors 68. Recognition of the role of fishermen’s associations and aquaculturalists’ associations as agents of the social economy (integration into intersectoral social economy structures); and strengthening of their participation in initiatives that recognise, promote and value the historic, cultural, tourism and culinary heritage of fishing and aquaculture, and of the profession of fisherman through local initiatives 69. Identification of the needs for qualified staff in Catalonia’s maritime sector and the facilitation of their training 70. Creation of training and hiring mechanisms that guarantee generational succession in fishing 71. Support for small companies in the maritime sectors 72. Promotion of local sustainable tourism initiatives in Catalonia on a national and international scale

SG 3.3: SOCIAL RECOGNITION OF THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE MARITIME SCOPE AND FOSTERING THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE SECTORS 73. Increase women’s visibility in the maritime sector and the recognition of their work (through information, training, awards, etc.) 74. Stimulation of the constitution of women’s associations in the maritime scope 75. Foster the development of business projects led by women 76. Empowerment of women through specific training in the fishing and aquaculture sector (owners, fishing professionals and spouses) in relation to business management 111

SCOPE OF ACTION 4: An innovative governance framework to drive the strategy and guarantee its operability

SG 4.1: SG 4.2: FULLY DEVELOPED AND CONSOLIDATED INNOVATIVE EXCELLENCE IN SCIENTIFIC ADVICE FOR MANAGEMENT AND CO-MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT PARTICIPATION MECHANISMS 86. Development and consolidation of the ICATMAR as the 79. Design of the architecture and operational mechanisms government’s reference advisory body in the fishing of the CCCM, as the organ responsible for validating, scope and, in general, the maritime scope (without monitoring and adapting the EMC prejudice to the role of other scientific institutes in 80. Establishment of specific training for the members of the scope of monitoring for management) the Co-management Committees and of the CCCM 87. Design and implementation of an environmental variables 81. Establishment of a maritime research committee within monitoring network in the maritime scope, maximising the CCCM to establish research and training priorities the use of the available fixed and mobile infrastructure; 82. Consolidation of a community of actors involved in the re-launching of projects to re-establish historical series development of the blue economy in the North-western of data (e.g. XIOM network) Mediterranean based on the FLAGs of the sub-region 83. Creation of the Laboratory of Sustainable Maritime SG 4.3: Initiatives of Catalonia (LIMSCAT) USE OF MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING AS A TOOL 84. Fostering of a co-managed, multi-actor, territorial TO ACHIEVE AN INTEGRATED MARITIME POLICY management model for the coastal spaces and 88. Establishment and implementation of a work plan for the development of a pilot management plan for the coast organisation of maritime space in Catalonia with the of El Baix Empordà participation of all the stakeholders within the CCCM, 85. Establishment of a structured bilateral exchange and coordination of Catalonia’s contribution to the programme with other political entities with similar implementation of Directive 2014/89/EU of the European maritime strategies in the international scope Parliament and Council, establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning 89. Zoning and planning of aquaculture activities within the Catalan maritime space, through updating the locations map of aquaculture facilities in Catalonia In December 2016, a Government Agreement was approved regarding the creation of the Maritime Action Programme of the Government of Catalonia with the aim of establishing a maritime policy to meet the challenges of developing the blue economy in a sustainable and harmonious manner through the integrated management of sectoral activities that have an impact on Catalonia’s maritime space. The Programme also covers the development of a modern and efficient governance system for the new maritime policy.