The Influence of Marine Protected Areas in Small-Scale Fisheries: A Resilience-Based Approach in the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park

This dissertation examines the influence of marine protected areas on small-scale fisheries, focusing on the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park (LSMP) in Portugal. The research employs resilience principles as a framework to investigate the impact of the park's spatial plan on the resilience of ecosystem services relevant to small-scale fisheries over the past two decades. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and quantitative ecological data, to analyse the social-ecological system dynamics.

The findings demonstrate that, despite the LSMP's inability to achieve anticipated positive ecological outcomes, such as enhanced biodiversity and reduced overfishing pressures, it has concurrently presented socio-economic challenges for local fishers. Stakeholders, particularly those engaged in fishing activities, articulated concerns about the restricted scope for participation in decision-making processes and the perceived lack of flexibility in governance structures. These tensions illustrate the trade-offs between conservation efforts and socio-economic equity, with fishers feeling marginalised by regulations prioritising biodiversity conservation over their livelihoods.

The results highlight the significance of stakeholder participation, emphasising the necessity for more inclusive, polycentric governance models that achieve a balance between ecological and socio-economic objectives. To enhance resilience within the park, it is recommended that greater stakeholder engagement be fostered, communication between governing bodies and local communities be improved, and adaptive management practices be promoted.

This study contributes to the wider debate on the governance of marine protected areas, by offering insights into the difficulties and providing practical recommendations.