Kelp harvesting fleet dynamics and the fleet's dependence on Laminaria forests in the Iroise Sea (North Finistère, France)

This paper addresses the question of economic viability of a fishing fleet, its dependence on main target species, and its capacity to be adapted to future constraints. The analysis relies on a field survey of a small-scale inshore fishing fleet of the Iroise Sea, in Brittany, seasonally harvesting seaweeds. Kelp forests are important biota both as habitat provider and producer, but are subject to significant threats that can permanently affect their sustainability. Seaweed harvesting has always been a controversial sector and the establishment of a marine protected area in the Iroise Sea has rekindled the debate on the environmental impact of seaweed exploitation. But, the fleet is also exposed to others constraints, be they regulatory or economic.