Measuring socioeconomic impacts of the SFPA through the analysis of EU Fleet (inter) connections in foreign countries

Data availability is a recurrent barrier when attempting to analyse the human dimension in fisheries. This report introduces a methodological approach to measure the human dimension within Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement fisheries (SFPAs), combining different variables which are going further from those used within the current ex-ante ex-post evaluations. The methodological approach combines quantitative and qualitative data sources, namely literature review, data gathering and harmonization and in-depth interviews, to develop a comprehensive and accurate description of the human dimension of long-distance fisheries of the EU within the SFPAs of Cabo Verde and Senegal. The method follows a 4 steps process set to provide a better understanding of the magnitude of fishing activity: (1) environmental and fisheries; (2) human dimension at sea; (3) human dimension at port; and (4) human dimension at international level. These case studies selected for testing the methodological approach, have displayed significant results on the importance of the fishing dimension in their national fisheries. The analysis of Cabo Verde points out how the tuna fishery is a high-relevant activity for the EU fleet. It is prompting a development of the processing industry also driving local socioeconomic development, despite certain weaknesses in port infrastructure to support the processing industry. In the Senegalese case study, the variety of actors, species and trade flows have mitigated the role of EU fleet as primary agent. Nevertheless, the SFPA has facilitated linkages between EU capital and local fleets through mixed-ventures. The case studies evidence the applicability of the method and provide relevant outputs, oversighted in other analysis. Finally, the conclusion suggests next steps to advance forward the approach, particularly for those flows involving the EU and the NON-EU long-distance fleet.