Spatial distribution of fishing fleets in a future Fishery Protected Area in the Malaga Bay (Northwestern Alboran Sea).

Málaga Bay is an important area from the icthyoplankton viewpoint where it is possible to find more than 80 species belonging to 68 genera and 41 families. Furthermore, the bay is an essential spawning and nursery area for many species of commercial interest, such as sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), Atlantic horse-mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), Mediterranean horse-mackerel (T. mediterraneus) or hake (Merluccius merluccius). Local bottom trawl, purse seine and polyvalent artisanal fleets, have traditionally fished in this bay targeting on many species of fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. An ecological and fisheries study was undertaken in 2013 and 2014 with the purpose of assessing the suitability of Málaga Bay as a Fishery Protected Area. One of the important aspects taken into account is the spatial distribution of the fishing effort to evaluate its impact in the area. The findings achieved in this study are essential and valuable information for a proper fisheries management integrating the ecosystem-based approach into fisheries advice. The results show that Málaga Bay supports a heavy fishing pressure in all the fishing grounds which may affect both its commercial resources and sedimentary habitats.Versión del edito