© Giuseppe Affinito - Archivio Consorzio di Gestione di Torre GuacetoCHAPTER 4: TURNING THE TIDE
“Working with scientists and park managers really helped
me understand the benefits of fishing regulations,” says
Michele Iaia. “Today, my income is protected and I am less
worried about our community’s future.”
Michele is a fisherman in Torre Guaceto in Italy, a traditional
fishing site and a marine protected area (MPA) since 1991.
In 2000, fishing was banned in the entire MPA, leading
to conflicts and high levels of illegal fishing. Five years
later, a portion of the zone was reopened. The fishermen,
with support from scientists and MPA staff, were invited
to develop their own sustainable fishing solutions. One of
these included a project to market species of low commercial
value, in collaboration with the Slow Food association.
Fishermen have improved their income, and now play an
active part in the management of the MPA.