Measuring the maritime economy: Spain in the European Atlantic Arc. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernández-Macho, Javier; Murillas, Arantza; Ansuategi, Alberto; Escapa, Marta; Gallastegui, Carmen; González, Pilar; Prellezo, Raul; Virto, Jorge
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 60(2015)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Blue Growth -- European Atlantic Arc -- Maritime Clusters -- Structure of Maritime Economy; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2015.05.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: Despite the importance of the socio-economic dimension of the use of marine waters, there has been little research in the field until recently, when interest has grown in the concept of 'blue growth'. This paper aims to contribute to filling this gap with a socio-economic assessment of the main maritime sectors, focused on the Spanish part of the European Atlantic Arc. To this end, it first proposes a theoretical structure for the maritime economy and then collects and classifies comparable and reliable maritime socio-economic indicators. The data obtained allows us to assess the size of the Spanish maritime sector and the position of the Spanish Maritime Cluster in the wider context of the maritime economy of the European Atlantic, as well as discuss the appropriateness of a strategy of forming clusters at the national level vs. a transnational approach. The results indicate differences between regions in the European Atlantic Arc that complicate the development of integrated policies to stimulate blue growth. Extending our knowledge of the maritime economy of the European Atlantic Arc will make it possible to design strategies that address the real issues, increasing the likelihood of these being effective. Abstract : Highlights: European Atlantic Arc maritime socio-economic assessment focused on the Spanish area. A theoretical structure for the maritime economy is proposed. Comparable socio-economic indicators are obtained for the Spanish maritime sector. The position of the Spanish Maritime Cluster in the European Atlantic is assessed. Cluster analysis indicate the need of integrated policies to stimulate blue growth.