Family-run or business-oriented fisheries? Integrating socioeconomic and environmental aspects to assess the societal impact

Abstract In this study, a comparative analysis is performed between family-run and business-oriented fisheries on their ability to provide societal value. After allocating the various fleet segments in these two groups by using a novel approach based on employment variables, we assess their societal value by using the extended cost-benefit analysis method, which considers both social and environmental criteria beyond economic criteria. The data used for the analysis are from the Greek National Fisheries Data Collection Programme and correspond to 726 vessels. In conclusion, the analysis provides evidence that small-scale fishing is linked to a family-run fishing activity model. In contrast, large-scale fishing is linked to a business-oriented fishing activity model. It was then estimated that family-run fleet segments provide a higher societal value for each ton of landings compared with business-oriented fleet segments. Finally, the degree of commercialisation of fishing fleet segments and the societal value per ton of landings are found to have a statistically significant negative correlation. This evidence indicates the prominent role of the family-run fishing activity to society and calling for increased attention by national and intergovernmental policy agents, and policy-makers have to enhance its role.