Socio-economic analysis of the trawl fleet targeting Deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) and European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in North Tunisia (2015–2017)

The paper summarizes the methods and results of a three years socio-economic study (2015–2017) on the bottom trawl fleet targeting Deep water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) and European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in North Tunisia. Socio-economic data collected were processed to estimate 25 indicators related to employment, activity, demographics and economic performance of the fishery. The indicators estimated highlighted both the profitability and fragility of this fishery, which strongly relies on the product demand from the international market. During the three years of study, the economic profits have been positive for the target fishery. Indicators of demographics and employment describe a well-performing fishery, close to international standards and with further margins for improvement. The number of fishers employed on board (on average 11 fishers per vessel), the age of the fishing fleet (an average age of 45 years) and the number of fishing units accessing the fisheries (strongly related to the size of the migrant fleet) are among the main factors characterizing the fishery and undermining its stabilization and further development. This first appraisal of its main socio-economic characteristics could be part of the baseline information needed by policy makers to ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability to bottom trawl fishery in North Tunisia. The study is also an opportunity for testing the approach proposed by the FAO as a standard procedure for socio-economic studies on Mediterranean fisheries.