SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND BASIC ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE TRAP FISHERY OF SARDINIA: FIRST STEP TOWARDS PARAMETERIZATION

In this paper the economic, social and cultural factors engendered by the tuna-trap fishery of Sardinia are studied. To acquire quantitative data, questionnaires were disseminated to stakeholders of the trap fishery and in a sample of 200 inhabitants of the villages of Carloforte and Portoscuso. Results emphasized that some sub-sectors produced direct economic income; others produced an unquantifiable social capital highlighting a strong interdependence of the local community from the “trap network”. We note that the vulnerability of the trap fishery is determined by two intimately related mechanisms: Risks of the fishing business (likely predictable) and uncertainty (unpredictable). The latter take account of the current management policy which generates “the quarrel for quotas”, an unfavourable condition for traps. A review of the fishery policy considering the interconnection between socio-political and economics feedback is essential for the survival of the trap system and to preserve their cultural heritage