Small-Scale Fisheries in Slovenia (Northeastern Adriatic): From Borders to Projects

Political and Socio-Economic Aspects of Fisheries in Inland and Coastal Waters of the Western Balkan

“…The historical upheaval from a socially valued and socially necessary trade to a marginalized activity happened at the same time as the political disintegration of the former Yugoslav states and the war events during the nineties of the last century. Since 1990, there have been significant political and economic changes in former Yugoslav countries, leading to changes in fishing artisanal practices in this region (Spreizer and Rogelja Caf 2020). This period marked changes from the previous jurisdiction of the Republic of Yugoslavia in each country's authority.…”

“…Although the marine fishing sector in some countries (i.e., Slovenia) is small and has an insignificant influence on the national economy (Spreizer and Rogelja Caf 2020), it is still considered to have a strong social impact in terms of directly creating employment and give importance for maritime identity and tourism (Lopes et al 2015). However, fisheries policies aim to ensure adequate working conditions and safety of fishermen, enhance the development of coastal fishing areas, and seek synergies between fisheries and tourism, cultural heritage and tradition (Miret-Pastor et al 2021).…”

“…In Slovenia, but also in Croatia, process of adaptation to the EU policy in the fishery sector resulted in negative perception of this policy that significantly and adversely influenced the behavior and emotional response of fishers, which, in turn, also influenced their resilience (Spreizer and Rogelja Caf 2020). In general, fishermen feel alienated from the decision-making process and their confidence in the policy-making is low.…”

“…This happened because fishermen realized that EU policy makers do not recognize particular characteristics. The transition process lasted 2 years and had a very negative public perception (Spreizer and Rogelja Caf 2020). These transformations on water have implications for those who are allowed access to the resource (Boucquey 2017).…”

“…In the eighties of the last century, fishing in former Yugoslavia was identified as a developing sector (Spreizer and Rogelja Caf 2020). The post-socialist period brought many challenges for the fisheries sector and fishermen community in the Balkan countries.…”