PRR Project

Summary

Job description and tasksThe small-scale and recreational fisheries scientist will make a decisive contribution to the CCMAR research strategy by promoting sustainable fisheries management and providing expertise to support policy-making and governance. The job will entail the following tasks:1)        Manage, organize, coordinate and monitor the Algarve small-scale octopus fishery, promote and implement a co-management system, and provide scientific advice for co-management;2)        Continue the characterization, mapping, and quantification of Marine Recreational Fisheries (MRF), and develop and implement new methods for long-term, cost-effective data collection programs;3)        Provide support and organize participatory processes to engage and include fishers and other stakeholders in management of Marine Protected Areas (MPA);4)        Communication and dissemination of the results of the actions and research in support of CCMAR’s TL2 strategy;5)        Produce technical reports, scientific papers, and policy briefs;6)        Represent CCMAR in national and international scientific and non-scientific events, working groups, and fisheries think tanks;7)        Supervise MSc and PhD students and participate in other research projects of the FBC group. Scientific profileThe candidate must have confirmed experience of research on small-scale and recreational fisheries, and MPA, contributed to policy and governance in these areas at the national and international level, and have a proven track record of obtaining funding. The tasks outlined above have already been initiated or are under development by a non-permanent post-doctoral researcher. However, a permanent working position is considered essential to guarantee continuity and completion of the tasks, vital for the CCMAR scientific strategy and regional and national fisheries. RationaleThis position is fully integrated in the strategic plan of CCMAR, namely in Thematic Line 2:  Management and conservation of marine resources, which aims to investigate threats facing the marine environment from drivers of global change, including climate, fisheries, pollution, invasive species and habitat loss.This Chair aims to contribute to achieve the objectives of the TL2 research strategy, as well as national and international goals and targets, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The contributions, targeting sustainable fisheries and management, are fully aligned with the Portugal 2030 strategy and Algarve RIS. CCMAR, the leading R&D centre in the Algarve, has a multidisciplinary team that has been carrying out systematic work on the characterization, mapping, and monitoring of fisheries, and the participatory engagement of fishers and their representatives in decision-making processes.In this regard, CCMAR has carried out extensive research regarding the octopus small-scale fishery, in the PROMAR project “Tertúlias do Polvo”, and more recently, the Mar2020 ParticiPESCA project, leading to the creation of a co-management committee in March 2023. This new and innovative management strategy, unique in Europe, is an important shift in the paradigm of EU and Portuguese fisheries management and implies significant scientific input, support, and advice, with CCMAR, subcontracted by IPMA playing a leading role. Moreover, CCDR Algarve, that regards the co-management system strategic for the region and an anchor project, considers that given CCMAR’s expertise and experience, it should continue to lead the process.CCMAR has also played a decisive role in the co-design of the “Natural Marine Park of the Algarve Reef – Pedra do Valado” MPA, based on more than 20 years of CCMAR research, and an innovative, transparent approximately 3-year participatory process coordinated by CCMAR. Officially established as a MPA in January 2024, it requires regular assessment and monitoring of all fishing activities, in support of adaptative management. Also, fishers need to be involved in the decision-making process of the area, within a co-management framework, as agreed during the participatory process. These tasks will require coordination and scientific support from CCMAR by an expert on small-scale and recreational fisheries.CCMAR has also been playing a decisive role in characterizing, mapping, and quantifying marine recreational fisheries (MRF). While MRF are increasingly recognized as having an important impact on some resources, systematic data collection and monitoring are still lacking in Portugal, and recreational fishers are not included in decision-making. In this regard, CCMAR has been playing a major role, by undertaking, e.g., the first national-scale MRF survey (Pescardata) and characterizing MRF in several MPA of southern Portugal. In fact, all national legislation produced so far focusing on MRF is based on CCMAR research, allowing Portugal to comply with EU commitments and targets.