Habitat loss and small-scale fishery: A controversial issue

Fishery is one of the most impacting human activities and is responsible for habitat loss in marine systems. While the effects of large-scale fisheries have been largely investigated, impacts of small-scale fisheries (SSF) on seafloor integrity are more often assumed than quantitatively investigated. We carried out a literature review at global scale, resulting in 19 studies with quantitative data on sessile benthic bycatch and only one documenting habitat loss driven by SSF. We also conducted a fine-scale assessment within a Mediterranean partially protected area (PPA). Results showed that 513 m2 of the Posidonia oceanica meadow are removed annually by local SSF within the PPA, considering bycatch, fishing effort, and shoot density. Knowledge on fishing effort and fine-scale mapping is critical to assess habitat loss, suggesting the need for specific recommendations for eco-sustainable local fisheries.