Small-Scale Fisheries Value Chain Analyses in the Albanian Marine Protected Area of Karaburun-Sazani

Besides the zonation of the Marine Protected Area of Karaburun-Sazani, the first marine national park in Albania, this protected area is situated close to a very dynamic urbanistic, touristic and important fishing area, making it a very important one to be managed by the pre-identified stakeholder earlier in the process. With the integration of local ecological knowledge and direct surveys, the study aims to understand the socio-economic factors that shape the local small-scale fisheries market. Given the sensitivity of the fishing sectors, where there are registered 50 small scale fishers and the illegality is a challenge, the analysis aimed to take into account also the impact that this illegality is having in the registered fishers. The findings reveal the structure and dynamics of small-scale fisheries value chains from catch to consumer, including the roles of fishers, wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants. Key challenges identified include illegal sales, lack of infrastructure, and data scarcity. The study suggests that direct sales can potentially increase fishers' income, though they currently rely heavily on middlemen for services like ice and bait. Findings also highlight the competition from recreational fishing and the impact of imported seafood. The research advocates for the creation of fishery management organizations to strengthen the small scale fisheries value chain and suggests diversification and improvement of business strategies for small-scale fishers in MPAs. This study contributes to the broader Mediterranean discourse on small scale fisheries, providing insights that can guide policy and management decisions to support sustainable fisheries and local livelihoods.