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Funding: This work was supported by project Mar2020- iNOVPESCA (MAR-01.03.01-FEAMP-0020). Ana Marçalo was partially funded by a Post Doc contract from Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (cei.mar) and a grant of Invited Scientist from the Mar2020 program. Mafalda Rangel would like to acknowledge FCT funding through a post-doctoral grant ( SFRH/ BPD/116307/2016 ). Tiago A. Marques thanks partial support by CEAUL (funded by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal, through the project UIDB/00006/2020 ). Additionally, this study was supported by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation ( FCT ) through projects UIDB/04326/2020, UIDP/04326/2020 and LA/P/0101/2020 to CCMAR. The coastal waters off Western Iberia are an important fishing ground and a marine megafauna foraging area. Overlap between fishery target species and the diet of several air breathing marine megafauna species can lead to negative interactions and consequently conservation and economic issues. This work aimed to assess marine megafauna (cetaceans, marine birds, and marine turtles) – fishery interactions through face-to-face interviews to fishers of the local and coastal artisanal fisheries fleets in the landing sites of the Portuguese mainland Southern coast (Algarve). The main goal was to identify and evaluate problematic interactions known to cause bycatch or economic loss through depredation. We found that bycatch is a concern for all marine megafauna groups, but depredation problems are mostly associated with cetaceans. Of the sampled artisanal fisheries (longlines, pots and traps, bottom set-nets, and purse seine), the fishing gears of most concern were purse seine and coastal bottom set-nets. Purse seine showed problems associated with important bycatch numbers, especially of common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, while bottom set-nets have considerable bycatch of all animal groups and depredation was highly associated with bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Bycatch and depredation were found to be species, gear, area, and vessel size dependent. Economic loss caused by depredation led to catch and gear damage and was widely reported by bottom set-net fishers, ranging from 7% to 21% of their revenue. Higher losses were reported for local vessels in leeward (eastern) Algarve area. This study showed that the active participation of fishers provides improved localized knowledge on interactions between local and coastal fisheries and marine megafauna, allowing for the definition of specific management and mitigation strategies. Postprint

La pesca experimental se llevó a cabo frente al puerto de Quarteira (sur de Portugal), de octubre de 2016 a febrero de 2017, utilizando redes de trasmallo estándar y redes modificadas con una red de protección llamada “faldón”. Las capturas comerciales de redes de trasmallo equipadas con una red de protección fueron 46.1% y 38.0% menores que las de la red estándar en número y valor económico. Sin embargo, hubo significativamente menos descartes comerciales en biomasa en las redes de trasmallo modificadas (68.2%) y la abundancia de las capturas secundarias y su biomasa también fueron menores en las redes modificadas (41.8% y 17.3% menos respectivamente). Para las dos principales especies de la captura secundaria de peces, la red modificada capturó un 62.2% menos de arete oscuro (C. obscurus) y un 33.1% menos de araña (T. draco) que las redes estándar. El tiempo necesario para quitar las especies principales de las redes reveló ahorros en el tiempo asociados con el uso de redes modificadas. Sin embargo, hubo el doble de daño neto en las redes modificadas en comparación con las redes estándar, lo que probablemente contribuyó a la reducción de las capturas comerciales. Los resultados indican que las redes de trasmallo con la red de protección reducen la captura fortuita y los descartes y ahorran tiempo, pero es poco probable que sean adoptadas por los pescadores que buscan lenguados debido a los mayores costos de las redes modificadas y las pérdidas en las capturas comerciales y las ganancias.

Scuba diving is one of the most popular coastal recreational activities, and one of the few that are allowed in multiple-use marine protected areas. Nevertheless, like many other coastal activities, if in excess, it may harm coastal ecosystems and their sustainable use. This paper focuses on the seascape and landscape characteristics that are most associated with the existence of dive sites, aiming to identify other suitable locations along the coast to potentially reduce environmental pressure (e.g., overcrowding and physical damage) on the existing dive sites. Logistic regressions were employed to model the suitability for dive sites existence in the Portuguese south coast (Algarve), one of the most popular Summer destinations in mainland Europe. Results suggest that closeness to waterlines and piers and the presence of rock structures in the coastal strip are the most important attributes that positively influence dive sites’ existence, whereas the beach environment and the presence of muddy sediments are negatively associated with it. In this study, we suggest the application of a logistic model to find alternatives for the explored dive sites as a quick and easily applied coastal management tool. Moreover, we find it useful for the implementation of coastal conservation strategies extended to other coastal activities. FCT: PD/BD/143087/2018/ SFRH/BPD/116307/2016; MCTES for the financial support to CESAM UIDB/50017/2020; CCMAR: UIDB/04326/2020 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Smartphone applications (apps) that target recreational fishers are growing in abundance. These apps have the potential to provide data useful for management of recreational fisheries. We surveyed expert opinion in 20, mostly European, countries to assess the current and future status of app use in marine recreational fisheries. The survey revealed that a few countries already use app data to support existing data collection, and that this number is likely to increase within 5–10 years. The strongest barriers to use app data were a scarcity of useful apps and concern over data quality, especially biases due to the opt-in nature of app use. Experts generally agreed that apps were unlikely to be a “stand-alone” method, at least in the short term, but could be of immediate use as a novel approach to collect supporting data such as, fisheries-specific temporal and spatial distributions of fishing effort, and aspects of fisher behaviour. This survey highlighted the growing interest in app data among researchers and managers, but also the need for government agencies and other managers/researchers to coordinate their efforts with the support of survey statisticians to develop and assess apps in ways that will ensure standardisation, data quality, and utility.

CP would like to acknowledge FCT/MEC national funds and FEDER co-funding, within the PT2020 partnership Agreement and Compete 2020, for the financial support to CESAM [UID/AMB/50017/2019]. The CCMAR affiliated authors would like to acknowledge Portuguese national funds from FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology through project UIDB/04326/2020. MR would also like to acknowledge FCT funding through a post-doctoral grant (SFRH/BPD/116307/2016). AS would like to acknowledge the support of FCT through the strategic project UID/ MAR/04292/2013 granted to MARE, and also the support of the Integrated Program of SR & TD “Smart Valorization of Endogenous Marine Biological Resources Under a Changing Climate” (reference Centro-01-0145-FEDER000018), co-funded by Centro 2020 program, Portugal 2020, European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund. Marine recreational fishing (MRF) in Portugal is a traditional leisure activity with considerable importance for coastal populations. In the absence of available information from the national data collection framework, this article aims to review the existing information on MRF across the country. MRF was an open access fishery until recently, but with rising evidence of overexploitation of coastal resources, a precautionary approach was imposed topdown, without consulting recreational fishers. In Portugal, the MRF participation rate is comparable to the European average (2%). The most important fishing mode (according to the official issued licenses) is shore angling. Mainland Portugal marine recreational catches (0.8% of total commercial landings) are likely underestimated, while the estimate for the Azores (6% of total commercial landings) is probably closer to the national reality. The Portuguese MRF sector faces several challenges, including: (1) the need for a definition of a national data collection framework; (2) the inclusion of MRF harvest estimates in stock assessments for key captured species; (3) management approaches which also take into account the ecosystem approach to fisheries and any potential effects of climate change; (4) additional research on post-release mortalities for the most important MRF species; and (5) a stronger involvement of all stakeholders in the decision-making process of MRF. The latter would be critical to improve the adequacy of regulations to the MRF reality, mitigate conflicts with other sectors (e.g., commercial fishing), and potentially increase fishers compliance. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Este artículo contiene 1 página, 1 tabla, 1 figura y 1 apéndice con una tabla., Marine Recreational Fishing (MRF) is an important activity in Europe, with 9 million fishers and generating annually € 6 billion in direct expenditures. However, there is a lack of data and understanding of MRF in Europe, particularly in Southern countries, which prevents a number of fish stocks from being effectively assessed and managed. In November 2016, a participatory workshop on MRF was held in Vigo (Spain) to identify challenges and opportunities for data collection, and to diagnose key research gaps and management issues for MRF in the Southern European Atlantic. Experts from a wide range of disciplines (researchers, policy makers, fisheries managers and commercial and recreational fishers) highlighted that the management of MRF is a challenge due to complex and dispersed legal frameworks, with multiple administrations involved, and overlapping uses of space with commercial fishing, aquaculture, navigation and tourism, among others. The lack of strong and representative fishing associations hampers research and management initiatives. Effective communication between recreational fishers, researchers and fisheries managers is also lacking. Despite the ecological, social and economic relevance of MRF, there is no systematic and comprehensive collection of information on fishing effort, recreational catches, expenses, social profile and access conditions of European recreational fishers. These data would be useful to avoid biases in the assessment of recreational fisheries due to the great diversity of ecosystems, species and typologies of users. Strategic recommendations and research priorities were also identified to address knowledge gaps and are discussed in the context of the management of MRF across Europe., The 1st Workshop on Recreational Fishing on the Iberian Atlantic Coast was co-convened by the Federación Gallega de Pesca Marítima Responsible y Náutica de Recreo, WWF-Spain, the Federación Gallega de Actividades Subacuáticas, the International Forum for Sustainable Underwater Activities and the Universities of Santiago de Compostela, Minho and Aveiro. The workshop was also supported by the Confederación Española de Pesca Recreativa Responsible, the Federación Galega de Confrarías de Pescadores and the Autonomous Government of Galicia. The workshop was funded by the Autonomous Government of Galicia, RECREGES project under Grant [ED481B2014/034-0], by the conveners and through financial contributions of Baitra Accesorios Navales, Disvent Ingenieros, Jesús Betanzos Efectos Navales, Talleres Franinox and Yamaha. CP would also like to acknowledge FCT/MEC national funds and FEDER co-funding, within the PT2020 partnership Agreement and Compete 2020, for the financial support to CESAM, under Grant [UID/AMB/50017/2013].

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Nielsen, K. N., Aschan, M., Agnarsson, S. Ballesteros, M., Baudron, A., Borges, M. d. F., ... Fernandes, P. G. (2017). A framework for results-based management in fisheries. Fish and Fisheries 19(2), 363-376., which has been published in final form at: https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.12257 . This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. We present a framework for results-based management (RBM) of commercial fisheries. The core idea of RBM is to reduce micromanagement by delegating management responsibility to resource users. The RBM framework represents an industrial organization approach to co-management and comprises three defining processes, conducted by three independent “agents”: (i) an “authority” defines specific and measurable and achievable objectives (outcome targets, OTs) for the utilization of fisheries resources, (ii) resource user organizations (termed “operators”) take responsibility for achieving these OTs and provide documentation that (iii) allows independent “auditors” to evaluate the achievement of OTs. Using incentive mechanisms, notably deregulation, RBM grants operators the flexibility to develop and implement innovative and cost-effective ways to achieve OTs. The feasibility of implementing RBM in five European fisheries was investigated in cooperation with relevant stakeholders through artificial planning processes and computer simulations. The operators involved were enthusiastic, and new management plans were drafted based on the framework. These included socioeconomic OTs in addition to traditional stock objectives, encompassing an ecosystem approach. Several issues are in need of further research to consolidate the approach and prepare the ground for practical implementation, including: the specification of the legal and regulatory framework required to underpin RBM, details of transitional arrangements when shifting towards RBM (including cost-sharing) and the development of necessary organizational capacity for operators. Initially, we therefore envisage the framework being applied to high-value single-species fisheries, with a limited number of participants, which are adequately represented by a competent organization.

Co-management has shown promising results for the sustainable use of fishery resources. The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) pot and trap fishery in the Algarve (Portugal) holds the potential for implementation of a co-management system. To explore this potential, seven participatory workshops took place between 2014-2015, bringing together 60 participants from 10 fishing associations and 16 fisheries management and research institutions. The exercise resulted in promising outcomes with regards to the possible implementation of a co-management system for the fishery. In the present work an overview of the outcomes of the participatory workshops is given and compared with initiatives worldwide. Among the management actions identified, some have direct impacts on the octopus' life cycle, while all target the same overall objective: to regulate fishing effort. In the informal setting of the workshops, a formal request was developed: the establishment of an annual closed season in the Algarve. This request was taken into consideration by the responsible management institution. Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) [SFRH/BD/51274/2010] FCT/MEC national funds FEDER [UID/AMB/50017/2013] info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

29 pages, 3 figures, 4 tables., Fishers’ participation in the fishery management decision-making process is generally low, particularly in small-scale fisheries (SSF). Within the overarching goal of improving fisheries governance, fishers’ participation is crucial. Yet, how can fishers participate in the decision-making processes which affect their actions, and to what extent do fisher associations represent their interests? These questions were tackled by means of an empirical case study in the “Tertúlia do Polvo” project, focusing on the octopus SSF in the Algarve region (south Portugal), where the octopus fishery is managed top-down with sporadic participation of fishers. During the study (2014 and 2015), seven participatory workshops (tertúlias) were held, involving fisher associations, management authorities and researchers, to propose and discuss management measures for the fishery. Also, a face-to-face questionnaire survey (121 valid replies) was undertaken with local fishers to gauge their opinions about the management measures proposed during the workshops. Results show a strong agreement between the outcomes achieved during the workshops and the main concerns and possible solutions identified by fishers. Taking into consideration the difficulty in structuring and assuring a transparent and effective participation of fishers in the management of their activity, the results obtained are promising. In this study, the use of a participatory process (restricted to a small group of stakeholders) combined with consultation (targeting a sample of the fisher population) allowed the validation of the overall results obtained. Such a methodological approach can be tried in other fishing communities to implement efficient and effective collaborative management, contributing to improved fisheries governance.

In Portugal, the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) dominates the total catches and landings from small scale fisheries. The small-scale fisheries have been targeting the common octopus for a long time and it is consistently one of the most important commercial fishing resources in the country. Questionnaires were conducted in 13 fishing ports in the south and southwest coasts of Portugal, from November 2014 to December 2016, to explore octopus artisanal fishers’ preferences for management and their knowledge about the biology and ecology of octopus. The survey revealed that fishers are generally not satisfied with the current management of the octopus fisheries. Some differences in preferences for management were found between regions, but in general, fishers strongly supported biological closures and local management plans developed by themselves. Fishers seemed to be interest in being more involved in the decision-making process, but only seem to have a moderate knowledge about the biology and ecology of the resource they exploit. A greater involvement of fishers in decision-making process will contribute to increase their awareness and knowledge about the resource, their receptivity to and acceptance of management measures, as well as increase their feeling of responsibility towards, and ownership of the resource. Portuguese National Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for funding (grant SFRH/BPD/116307/2016). info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The estimated impact of the EU Landing Obligation was investigated, which bans discards of regulated species, in South European fisheries through stakeholders’ perceptions with the intention to identify implementation shortcomings and practicalities that might lead to obstacles to enforcement. Structured interviews were conducted with 173 fishers in 4 countries practicing 4 generic fisheries (as typified by the dominant fishing gear) asking a total of 26 questions. Results show that fishers estimate that the full implementation of the discards ban will result in longer sorting times. Added to the limited space on board, especially in the more productive trawl and purse seine vessels, this may lead to practical difficulties in relation to compliance. Most of the respondents estimate that there are no realistic possibilities of utilizing the formerly discarded fish in the short term, because of the lack of adequate infrastructure on land Furthermore, the possible utilization types foreseen in the regulation will not help offset the costs of bringing former discards to land. The outcomes of this study have confirmed the implementation difficulties of the landing obligation, especially when the fishing industry cannot expect any medium to long-term benefits., This research has received funding from the European Commission's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 634495 for the project Science, Technology, and Society Initiative to minimize Unwanted Catches in European Fisheries (MINOUW).

There are growing concerns about the impact of Marine Recreational Fishing (MRF) on marine ecosystems and its combined effects with other human activities, such as commercial fishing, especially on the higher trophic levels. Conversely, recreational fishers provide considerable economic benefits through their expenditure on many things including fishing tackle, boats, licenses, travel, and accommodation. However, research on MRF in Europe is limited, particularly in Southern countries. In Galicia (Northwest Spain) detailed information on MRF is still needed to support management and to reduce growing conflicts between recreational fishers and other stakeholders including the commercial fishing sector. This paper provides the first comprehensive analysis of MRF in Galicia including the economic, social, and ecological impacts, from a survey of 363 recreational fishers. It was estimated that there are 60 000 recreational fishers, comprised of 45 000 shore anglers, 12000 boat anglers and 3 000 spear fishers. Each year, they spend 86 EM on fishing gear and other expenses, while boat owners spend another 11 EM. Fishers activity is higher in summer and spring, especially in the case of boat anglers. Recreational fishers reported catching 38 species, but the most common were ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), and white seabream (Diplodus sargus). Annual recreational catch is about 7 500 t (5-13% of commercial and recreational landings of the same species); shore anglers are responsible for 50% of total MRF catches, boat anglers for 40%, and spear fishers for 10%. The results are discussed in the context of management that could improve the socio-ecological sustainability of MRF., The authors acknowledge the valuable comments and suggestions received at the 8th World Recreational Fishing Conference in July 16-20th, 2017 at Victoria, Canada. PP thanks the financial support from Xunta de Galicia (RECREGES project under Grant ED481B2014/034-0), and to Paz Brage, Eugenia Rodriguez, Ma Jose Cancelo, Ma Nazaret Diaz, Pablo R. Fernandez, and Carmen de Benito from Xunta de Galicia for providing information about recreational fishing licenses. Also, thanks Jose. A. Beiro and Francisco J. Nunez, chairmen of FEDPEMAR and FEGAS respectively, for their help and support. SV is grateful to the Xunta de Galicia for financial aid through project GPC 2015-045, and ICES Science Fund Project "Social transformations of marine social ecological systems". MR wishes to acknowledge the financial support of the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) through the post-doctoral grant SFRH/BPD/116307/2016. CP would like to acknowledge FCT/ MEC national funds and FEDER co-funding, within the PT2020 partnership Agreement and Compete 2020, for the financial support to CESAM (Grant No. UID/AMB/50017/2013).

The use of natural areas for underwater coastal marine activities such as snorkelling is growing, but the amount of ecological and socioeconomic data on these activities is scarce and relates mainly to coral reef areas. Three underwater self-guided routes were designed at Marinha Beach (Algarve, Portugal), based on scientific information, with in situ interpretation and guidance, as a way to enhance biodiversity awareness and, hence, reduce the probability of human impacts. The routes were implemented in two consecutive summer seasons and after each season, visual census techniques were used to describe flora composition and cover area (seaweeds and seagrasses) in order to understand patterns and evaluate human impacts. Snorkelers' opinions and perceptions about several issues related to the routes' environmental education role (e.g. role in enhancing biocliversity awareness) were investigated by questionnaire after the snorkelling activity. An inter-annual difference inflora assemblages was found, probably associated to natural variability, rather than snorkelers' impacts. Results indicate that, in fact, in situ education and interpretation can raise environmental awareness if properly addressed, resulting in a satisfactory way of engaging snorkelers in the protection and in the conservation of the visited environments, thereby preventing negative ecological impacts. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The European Nature Information System (EUNIS) has been implemented for the establishment of a marine European habitats inventory. Its hierarchical classification is defined and relies on environmental variables which primarily constrain biological communities (e.g. substrate types, sea energy level, depth and light penetration). The EUNIS habitat classification scheme relies on thresholds (e.g. fraction of light and energy) which are based on expert judgment or on the empirical analysis of the above environmental data. The present paper proposes to establish and validate an appropriate threshold for energy classes (high, moderate and low) and for subtidal biological zonation (infralittoral and circalittoral) suitable for EUNIS habitat classification of the Western Iberian coast. Kineticwave-induced energy and the fraction of photosynthetically available light exerted on the marine bottom were respectively assigned to the presence of kelp (Saccorhiza polyschides, Laminaria hyperborea and Laminaria ochroleuca) and seaweed species in general. Both data were statistically described, ordered fromthe largest to the smallest and percentile analyseswere independently performed. The threshold between infralittoral and circalittoral was based on the first quartile while the ‘moderate energy’ class was established between the 12.5 and 87.5 percentiles. To avoid data dependence on sampling locations and assess the confidence interval a bootstrap technique was applied. According to this analysis,more than 75% of seaweeds are present at locations where more than 3.65% of the surface light reaches the sea bottom. The range of energy levels estimated using S. polyschides data, indicate that on the IberianWest coast the ‘moderate energy’ areas are between 0.00303 and 0.04385 N/m2 of wave-induced energy. The lack of agreement between different studies in different regions of Europe suggests the need for more standardization in the future. However, the obtained thresholds in the present study will be very useful in the near future to implement and establish the Iberian EUNIS habitats inventory. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), adopted by the European Union in 2013, aims to achieve sustainable exploitation of marine resources. Beyond the mainstream of stakeholders' engagement, the literature increasingly calls for shared accountability in fisheries management. In such scenarios, identifying stakeholders' insights becomes critical for a successful design of innovative management approaches. This paper analyses how the stakeholders perceive a results-based management system for four fisheries in different European sea-basins as well as at a pan-European level. The results indicate a need for adaptive and participatory management approaches, building on regional adaptations within transparent and plural frameworks for fisheries. To succeed, the system should explicitly address its associated public and private costs; neither participation nor accountability comes for free. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A prototype for a Responsive Fisheries Management System (RFMS) was developed in the context of the European FP7 project EcoFishMan and tested on the Portuguese crustacean trawl fishery. Building on Results Based Management principles, RFMS involves the definition of specific and measurable objectives for a fishery by the relevant authorities but allows resource users the freedom to find ways to achieve the objectives and to provide adequate documentation. Taking into account the main goals of the new Common Fisheries Policy, such as sustainable utilization of the resources, end of discards and unwanted catches, a management plan for the Portuguese crustacean trawl fishery was developed in cooperation with the fishing industry, following the process and design laid out in the RFMS concept. The plan considers biological, social and economic goals and assigns a responsibility for increased data collection to the resource users. The performance of the plan with regard to selected indicators was evaluated through simulations. In this paper the process towards a RFMS is described and the lessons learnt from the interaction with stakeholders in the development of an alternative management plan are discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Scuba diving allows for underwater visitation of cultural and natural resources. Underwater routes can be used as a tool for guided and supervised underwater visits. Two scuba diving routes were implemented in the Algarve (South of Portugal), the "B24" and "Poco" diving sites. The perceptions of scuba divers regarding several aspects of the routes and the existing support infrastructures were studied following a survey carried out through face-to-face interviews from 2008 to 2012. Divers profile and their perceptions were analysed using 246 valid questionnaires. Divers were mainly Portuguese, over 30 years old and with more than 12 years of formal education. Some of the support infrastructures did not achieve a "good" or "acceptable" grade. This should be carefully considered by diving operators and managers, because perceptions tend to circulate throughout the diving tourists. All features of interpretative slates were graded as highly satisfactory. Overall, diver satisfaction increased slightly after route implementation, with an average ranking of "good". These findings support the implementation of underwater routes as a way to promote diving activity, and to increase divers' environmental education and awareness. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tese de doutoramento, Ciências do Mar, da Terra e do Ambiente (Gestão Costeira), Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, 2013 The main aims of this study on underwater ecotourism, the first in Portugal, were: 1) to develop and implement a network of underwater routes (snorkelling and scuba diving) in the Algarve, South of Portugal; 2) identify the economic valuation of snorkelling routes; 3) analyse the degree of satisfaction of users in relation to the routes and to the support infrastructures; 4) understand if the routes increase environmental awareness of divers. Three snorkelling routes were implemented in Marinha Beach along with two scuba diving routes, “B24” (off Faro city), the wreck of a World War II bomber, and “Poço” (off Armação de Pêra city), a rocky outcrop rich in biodiversity and landscaped features. All the routes were implemented in 2008, with interpretive slates at fixed locations along the route. Researchers were at the sites to answer any questions, carry out the pre diving environmental briefing, and questionnaire surveys. Based on the travel cost technique, and assuming a carrying capacity of 1000 dives per year, a total economic value for the 3 snorkelling routes of 250000€ was estimated. Most respondents perceived the existence of routes to be good for the preservation of the local biodiversity and reported this experience as “good” or “excellent”. Overall, both snorkelling and scuba routes seem to be an effective tool for developing ecological awareness in tourists, as they enhance the preservation and the understanding of the marine coastal environment. Results show that in situ education and interpretation can raise environmental awareness if properly addressed. Also, the interpretative and educational tools used seem to please visitors, resulting in a satisfactory way of engaging snorkelers in the protection of the visited environments. Overall, divers seem to consider that diving within the routes framework is more pleasant than diving without this infrastructure. O presente estudo visou analisar, pela primeira vez em Portugal, diferentes aspectos relacionados com ecoturismo subaquático e mergulho. Mais especificamente pretendeu-se: 1) criar e implementar uma rede de roteiros subaquáticos (a realizar em mergulho livre – apneia - e com escafandro autónomo – “scuba”) na região Algarvia (Sul de Portugal); 2) identificar a valorização económica efectiva da implementação dos roteiros de apneia; 3) analisar o grau de satisfação e as diferentes percepções dos utilizadores relativamente ao mergulho nos roteiros e às infra-estruturas de apoio existentes na região; 4) perceber o efeito potenciador de consciencialização ambiental dos roteiros. Para efectivar a análise do presente estudo, implementaram-se três roteiros de apneia na Praia da Marinha, e dois roteiros “scuba” em populares locais de mergulho da região: “B24”, ao largo de Faro, onde se encontra submergido um bombardeiro que afundou durante a II Guerra Mundial; e “Poço”, ao largo de Armação de Pêra, constituído por um afloramento rochoso típico da região algarvia, com elevada biodiversidade e beleza paisagística. Os roteiros foram implementados em 2008, com placas interpretativas localizadas em pontos pré-definidos ao longo dos percursos. Uma equipa de investigadores foi disponibilizada para apoio nos diversos locais de mergulho, por forma a efectuar os briefings ambientais prévios ao mergulho, dar o apoio logístico necessário e efectivar os questionários pós mergulho. De acordo com o método do custo de viagem, e assumindo uma capacidade de carga de 1000 mergulhos/ano, o valor económico total referente aos três roteiros de apneia foi estimado em 250000€. A maior parte dos mergulhadores classificam a experiência de mergulhar em roteiros como “boa” ou “excelente”. Na generalidade, tanto os mergulhadores de apneia como os de escafandro autónomo consideram os roteiros uma ferramenta interessante e eficiente para o desenvolvimento da actividade e para a sua promoção na região. Paralelamente, as vertentes de educação e interpretação ambiental associadas aos roteiros parecem agradar aos visitantes, estimulando de forma efectiva o conhecimento e a preservação do meio envolvente e, em consequência, potenciando a consciencialização ambiental dos mergulhadores. De uma forma geral, os mergulhadores consideram mais satisfatório mergulhar em locais de mergulho com roteiros implementados.

Coastal ecotourism is one of the fastest growing leisure industries in the world and snorkelling is emerging as an important beach-based activity. Snorkelling has the potential to enhance biodiversity conservation when developed within environmental education framework. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate snorkelling routes, in the Algarve (South Portugal), as a sustainable ecotourism offer. To achieve these objectives, three snorkelling routes were established at the pristine Marinha beach. After the diving experience, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information about individuals' opinions regarding the underwater routes, their social demographic characteristics, ecological appreciation, opinions about beach facilities and trip expenditures. The survey was undertaken during the summer months of 2008 and 2009, and 202 people were interviewed. Data was analysed using univariate and multivariate statistic methods. Most respondents perceived the existence of routes to be good for the preservation of the local biodiversity and reported this experience as "good" or "excellent". The only difference in perceptions was observed by visitor snorkelling in groups of more than two people. Interviewers consider that emergency support and sanitary facilities are the most important beach support infrastructures. Overall, these routes seem to be an effective tool for developing ecological awareness in tourists, as they enhance the preservation and the understanding of the marine coastal environment.

The aim of this ongoing project (EcoSub) is to describe the underwater tourism in the Algarve Region (South of Portugal), aiming its transformation into sustainable eco-tourism., Journal of Tourism & Development, vol. 3 n.º 13/14 (2010): INVTUR 2010 Intl' Conference - Abstracts

Ocinebrina nicolai Monterosato, 1884 a marine mollusc belonging to the Muricidae family is reported from Algarve, south coast of Portugal for the first time and is a new record for the biodiversity of the Portuguese malacological fauna and northeastern Atlantic waters. This species with a medium-size shell for the genus (14–16 mm) was initially sampled during a baseline project that studied marine biotopes in the central Algarve region. This short note presents a brief diagnosis of the species, provides local information on geographical distribution, habitat, and compares it with other congeneric species found in Portugal: Ocinebrina aciculata (Lamarck, 1822) and Ocinebrina edwardsii (Payraudeau, 1826). info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Recreational shore angling in the Atlantic Ocean between Moledo and Aveiro (Portugal) was examined using roving creel surveys (March/September 2001). Cooperation was high (90% of 2310 anglers approached). At least 39 species of fish were caught at a rate of approximately 0.5 fish angler h(-1). An estimated 7319 kg of Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), with 45.6% below the minimum legal size, and 2040 kg of sea breams (genus Diplodus), correspond to 5.75% and 1.19% of the commercial landings in the same geographical area, respectively. The results shed light on a number of issues relevant to integrated coastal management, including temporal and spatial distribution of fishing effort, species caught, sizes of fish, catch rates, and factors influencing catches and angler satisfaction. Whilst the results suggest that the catches of sea breams and sea bass by day-time recreational shore angling in northern Portugal are small compared with commercial fishing, other recreational activities, such as boat fishing and spear-fishing, must be assessed.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Ciências do Mar - Recursos Marinhos, área de especialização em Biologia Marinha, apresentada ao Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto