Chapter Fishing tourism in Tuscany: current situation and future developments

Abstract

Professional fishery plays a crucial role in the development of the Tuscan economy. Currently, this sector involves more than 1500 people and 583 boats, producing around 11000 tonnes/year of seafood products. Fishery in Tuscany is a multifaceted sector with a solid cultural baseline that over the years has changed its own relationship with the sea. In the last decade, fishermen and consumers have become aware of dangers that threaten the marine environment and in particular fish stocks. For this reason, fishermen and their associations, assisted by fishery biologists, have decreased fishing effort and invested in other activities to integrate their income. Fishing tourism, for example, is a diversification of fishing activities and represent a sustainable activity for artisanal fishermen, combining environmental protection, maritime culture, an alternative profitability and a connection between fisheries and tourism. There are currently 47 active fishing tourism licenses distributed along the entire Tuscany coast (including islands), mainly concentrated in the ports of Livorno and Viareggio. These are principally small-medium sized boats operating with passive gear followed by trawlers. From interviews carried out with fishermen, fishing tourism is considered an important activity to reduce fishing effort without compromising income and to create new opportunities and networks.