Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Ocean and Coastal Management

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ocecoaman

Enhancing of the cultural fishing heritage and the development of tourism: A T

case study in Isla Cristina (Spain)
Celeste Jiménez de Madariagaa,∗, Juan José García del Hoyob
a
Departamento de Historia, Geografía y Antropología; Universidad de Huelva, Campus del Carmen, 21071, Huelva, Spain
b
Departamento de Economía; Universidad de Huelva, Campus de La Merced, 21071, Huelva, Spain

1. Introduction In recent decades, the effects of globalisation in developed countries

have led to a visible transformation of fishing as an economic activity,
Fishing has been linked to humanity since its origins, influencing sometimes reducing its profitability. Communities that traditionally
the ways of life and world-view of the societies dedicated primarily to devoted themselves to fishing, strongly influencing their culture by
this practice. Fishing is defined not only as the act of obtaining fish for doing so, have succumbed to other activities, mainly tourism. There is
consumption, but also as a way of understanding life, interacting with no doubt that tourism has spread worldwide to the extent of being
one another, and co-habiting with one's natural environment. In other transversal to any other type of activity, and in many countries, in-
words, fishing touches all aspects of culture. It generates a whole set of cluding Spain, it is one of the leading drivers of the economy
knowledge, skills, and techniques that are passed down from one gen- (Martindale, 2014). The acceptance of this economic potential has led,
eration to the next. Fishing also entails the creation of, for example, or is leading, to increased attention being paid to heritage in general,
specific instruments, devices, gear, and tools, and it favours the de- and fishing heritage in particular. This is leading to studies and actions
velopment of other closely-related activities. All this implies that aimed at fostering elements typical of the fishing culture as a tourist
fishing is something that characterises society as a whole. When we resource (Doyon, 2015). At a local level, the yield of the fishing heritage
speak of fishing societies and the culture of fishing, we speak of Cultural as a tourist resource can become counter-productive for the fishing
Fishing Heritage. sector itself and related activities that attempt to compensate for its
Over time, certain elements that make up our culture are selected as decline. It can also increase its added value to promote the sustain-
being representative of it. These elements we now call cultural heritage. ability of fishing and boost the survival of the sector without changing
They are elements that symbolically identify a particular village or cultural habits, customs, and lifestyles (Urquhart and Acott, 2013).
group of people, and that act as differentiating factors to distinguish What is more, it can help people to become aware of the cultural value
them from other villages or groups. We call them “identity markers”. of fishing, and thus contribute to maintaining their identity (Claesson,
Most coastal people have been characterised by their dependence on 2011; Urquhart et al., 2011).
the sea. The sea is their primary economic resource and communication Fishing takes place in very specific environments: coastal or river-
channel. Therefore, each fishing community, while culturally per- side areas. The location determines the type of habitat and activities
meated by fishing, acquires differentiating nuances that act as heritage that can be carried out in these areas, and the communities that settle
identity markers, and it is precisely these identity markers, whether here are different from those dedicated to other productive activities.
intentionally or unintentionally, that come to characterise them. On But this environmental determinism is not sufficient to explain the
some occasions, local governments have developed “patrimonialisa- layout of fishing communities. There are historical and political rea-
tion” or the process by which these identity markers are protected and sons, too. Not to mention human interaction with the environment,
disseminated, but their legitimacy goes beyond cultural policies to which also inevitably alters things. In short, a great many factors play a
where citizens' awareness, and their actions and participation have part in defining fishing communities.
become fundamental (Sharina Abdul Halim, Ong Puay Liu, 2011). Thus, Naturally, fishing societies live along the coast, although the forms
fishing heritage includes identity markers common to all fishing vil- that their populations take and the place where they are located differ
lages, as well as markers that are unique to each village, but it is the depending on their geographical, historical, and political conditions. A
latter that stand out especially. Heritage markers have an interweaving unique landscape has been created around them. Humanity has
effect on people's lifestyles and daily activities regardless of their pa- changed its environment to suit its activities, not only for the con-
trimonialisation, and they, in and of themselves, can become not only struction of houses, but also for specific installations such as piers,
cultural, but economic resources. lighthouses, canning factories, chancas (fish salting factory), lonjas (fish

∗
Corresponding author. Facultad de Humanidades, 21071 Huelva, Spain.
E-mail address: celeste@uhu.es (C. Jiménez de Madariaga).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2018.10.023
Received 27 October 2017; Received in revised form 29 September 2018; Accepted 28 October 2018
Available online 09 November 2018
0964-5691/ © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

markets), traditional fish markets, and activities focussed on exploiting Despite some technological innovations introduced in the last cen-
natural resources linked to the fishing industry, such as salt pans, bi- tury, fishing techniques, tools, and instruments whose origin date back
valve mollusc farms, corrales (fish enclosures), canals, and dykes. The thousands of years, and which are described in classical texts, are still
availability of accessible resources has favoured the concentration of used today. However, their survival is proving to be more and more
people in specific population centres, and a more or less homogeneous problematic due to the decline of the sector and the homogenisation
architectural style for houses. The natural environment may have induced by national and international regulations and policies (Durán
changed, but flora and fauna, as well as esteros (waterways), estuaries, et al., 2015; Khakzad and Griffith, 2016). An example of this is the legal
marshes, and lagoons are paramount for fishing. action brought by fishermen from southern Spain in an attempt to de-
In recent times, demographic growth, the expansion of tourism monstrate that alcatruces—fishing gear used to capture octopus—con-
along the coast, and urban speculation have led to an extraordinary stitute traditional fishing gear in the area despite having been excluded
growth of towns, so much so that fishing settlements have become by the minor fishing gear regulations. Another example is the fishing of
strongholds immersed in urban environments, sometimes surrounded clams with dredges, which until quite recently was used by small
by hotels, urbanisation, marinas, and many tourist services. Despite all rowing boats to tow clam dredges in the estuaries, and which has now
this, fishing communities have maintained a certain social cohesion disappeared with the fishing regulation. Tapaesteros, lavadas, jábegas,
that has facilitated the survival of what we could call “fishing archi- boliches, corvinales, and sardinales (see Appendix I) are other types of
tecture” (Chiarappa, 2005). fishing gear that have since disappeared or been prohibited by different
The fact that fishing societies have granted access to resources to regulations, but which sustained the fishing sector in the past. It is,
certain groups has also historically facilitated maintaining organisa- therefore, essential to document these intangible activities that un-
tional structures around fishing to this day. This institutionalised the doubtedly form part of our cultural heritage. Not only fishing gear per
differentiation through exploitation and access rules, which maintained se, but also their production and maintenance, shipbuilding techniques,
the internal cohesion of these communities and ensured the survival of methods of conserving the catch, auction procedures, functions and
immemorial cultural traditions until quite recently. No, access to specialities, food and gastronomy, gender and age roles, fishing ter-
fishing resources was not free, contrary to popular belief. As they were minology, myths, beliefs and festivals that marked the annual cycles,
publicly-owned resources, their use was limited to specific, cohesive, and the entire collection of material elements, tools, objects, and in-
and organised collectives. The liberalisation of fishing did not take struments related to this intangible heritage (Khakzad et al., 2015).
place until the end of the 19th century. It is a recent phenomenon and This accumulation of these components of heritage is striking evi-
so are its effects, although some authors argue otherwise (Russ and dence of the cultural richness of our people and seafarers, and it con-
Zeller, 2003). stitutes substantial markers of identity, so much so that people re-
In Spain, the existence of the Matrícula de Mar during the 18th and cognise themselves in them, and others recognise them by these
19th centuries,1 and its survival nuanced in maritime recruitment, identity markers. The importance of fishing heritage as an identity re-
meant the existence of entry and exit barriers to the sector, delimiting ference results in the need for its protection, among other forms,
the populations devoted to this, reinforced by longstanding associations through documentation, registration, and something fundamental:
(e.g., pósitos or cooperatives, cofradías or guilds, associations of fishing dissemination. Undoubtedly, the best way to safeguard the intangible
vessel owners), which had long disappeared into other sectors. The fishing heritage is by raising society's awareness of it and making it an
cofradías, of medieval origin, consolidated their importance in the appropriate cultural and economic resource, mainly by supporting
sector after the Spanish Civil War and, despite constituting structures tourism and ensuring it is supported by tourism (Vallega, 2003, 2007).
derived from the Francoist vertical trade unions, their social work This paper analyses, first, how the cultural fishing heritage can
permitted their survival and prevented the development of a relevant become an important tourism resource for the economic development
business association and the unionisation of sea workers. Although of communities. Second, how tourism can facilitate the improvement of
fishing resources are public property, communities have often been the added value of the fishing sector, thus contributing to its sustain-
responsible for managing resources on a communal basis, as is still the ability and boosting its survival, without having to make significant
case with certain fishing grounds in the Spanish Mediterranean or, as cultural changes in the fishing habits, customs, and lifestyle of fishing
happened during part of the 19th century with the almadrabas (tuna communities.
traps) in the Gulf of Cádiz, in a historical context characterised by the
sustainability of the activity. However, with the end of the Matrícula de 2. Protection and patrimonialisation of fishing
Mar and the irruption of capitalism in the sector, from 1870 onward,
this communal management of resources gave way to a vast amount of In 2003, UNESCO adopted the “Convention for the Safeguarding of
public regulation that has not yet succeeded in slowing down the the Intangible Cultural Heritage”, which has the characteristics of an
competitive race to exploit resources and the overexploitation process international treaty. This document defines Intangible Cultural
(Gordon, 1954). Similar processes have occurred in most European Heritage as “the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge,
countries, where access to the profession of fisherman was linked to skills—as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces
different regulated exploitation regimes, which were gradually liber- associated therewith—that communities, groups and, in some cases,
alised over the last century. individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage”. At this time, a
Indeed, what identifies fishing societies is fishing itself, which, in register was generated, called the “Representative List of the Intangible
some cases, stands out for its uniqueness and for being passed down Cultural Heritage”, which includes the elements considered to be
from one generation to the next through oral tradition. In artisan heritage. In addition, the member states that have signed this
fishing, we can still get a glimpse of how mankind adapted to the en- Convention are obliged to draw up inventories of the cultural heritage
vironment to obtain his livelihood and what fishing gear was like in the that exist in their territory. Spain ratified the Convention in 2006 and
past. included some intangible assets in the listing.
In Spain, heritage protection is legislated by the Spanish Historical
Heritage Law of 1985 (Law 16/1985). This law does not reflect the
1
The Matrícula de Mar was a system to ensure recruitment into the Navy with specificity of the intangible heritage. So, in 2015, the Spanish state
exhaustive listings of persons, professional categories, and vessels. In exchange approved a specific law, namely Law 10/2015, of 26 May, for the
for the obligation to serve in the Navy, one year out of every four, those re- Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, following UNESCO's re-
gistered enjoyed exclusive access to fishing and other sea-related professions commendations. However, during the thirty years between when the
(García del Hoyo, 2009). general law on heritage and the specific law on intangible heritage were

2
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

enacted, political competences in the field of culture, and with it Safeguarding, and the Register of Practices that are Considered “Good”
heritage, were transferred to the regional governments or autonomous and Appropriate), and in different parts of the world (Mali, Islamic
communities in Spain.2 During this time, autonomous communities Republic of Iran, Belgium, Republic of Korea, Nigeria, Norway). We
gradually adopted their own laws for the protection of their heritage. In also note that they relate to different aspects of fishing culture: the
the case of Andalusia,3 the first law to be enacted was the Historical importance of collective action in ritualised fishing in Mali, the value of
Heritage Law of Andalusia of 1991 (Law 1/1991), which introduced material culture (the boats) and constructive techniques in the Islamic
two novelties with respect to the state law by giving specific protection Republic of Iran and Norway, traditional fishing gear in Belgium, the
to two types of ethnological heritage: ethnological places of interest and role of women in diving in the Republic of Korea, and the folklore of
activities of ethnological interest, the latter being an approach to the fishing in Nigeria.
intangible heritage that includes “practices, knowledge and other cul- The registration of these events and many others that are yet to be
tural expressions”. Later, in 2007, this Law was reformulated as Law recognised as Intangible Heritage of Humanity in relation to fishing
14/2007, but it retained this ethnological protection. In both cases, the culture would be justified by the very definition of the element to be
strategy for the protection of cultural property was to register it in a registered, according to UNESCO's own definition of intangible heritage
“General Catalogue of Historical Heritage”. Since 1991, we can high- (Section. 2 of the 2003 Convention). Some fishing gear and techniques
light the registration of two riverside carpentries in the Andalusian bring us closer to the histories of the people that use them. They con-
Catalogue as activities of ethnological interest: the wooden vessel stitute knowledge transmitted orally in an intergenerational way, going
builders of Coria del Río (Seville) in 2003 and the wooden vessel back several generations. The holders of this knowledge are true “living
builders of Pedregalejo (Málaga) in 2008. These two properties are the human treasures,” people that can be considered as cornerstones of this
only examples of intangible heritage related to fishing heritage in An- heritage. This essentially means that should they disappear, so would
dalusia, hence the need to expand the register. We must also consider, history. They forge cultural group identities (among the fishermen who
as the law points out, the special protection of assets in danger of dis- are dedicated to the same fishing activity), but also cultural individual
appearing, and sponsor their study and dissemination to guarantee their identities, and have a critical symbolic value as a specific culture of
transmission to future generations. This disappearance has already work.
happened, as pointed out above, with some traditional fishing gear. In this vein, and by way of example, there is a possible proposal to
In other autonomous Spanish communities, actions to safeguard register traditional fishing with alcatruces, which is practiced off the
intangible cultural heritage, in general, and cultural fishing heritage, in coasts of Huelva, Cádiz and the Portuguese Algarve, in UNESCO's
particular, were also regarded as insufficient. The protection of fishing Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Our proposal is
in the salt pans of Santa Pola and fishing in the Hondo de Elche, as well in line with UNESCO's criteria for registration, because this is a fishing
as various legends, such as “The Witch and the Fisherman” in the heritage that requires urgent safeguarding measures as its continuation
Valencian Community, are worth mentioning. In the Canary Islands, an is at risk. To formalise the registration, safeguard measures should first
Atlas of Intangible Heritage was compiled, which includes fishing be prepared so that local communities, in particular fishermen's groups,
gastronomy (e.g., jareas, fish churros, casseroles), as well as practices may continue to practice the activity and pass it on. Secondly, the
such as Moreniar or the seduction of moray eels (Muraenidae spp.) at awareness of the population must be raised in order to obtain its con-
night with ornate language and singing. In Cantabria, an emphasis is sent and so that there can be as broad participation in the project as
placed on the protection of the real estate heritage related to fishing, possible. Thirdly, it should first be registered in one of the cultural
such as the rula (or fish market) in Llanes, the Fishermen's Guild of La heritage inventories that exists in the designated areas, such as Spain,
Arena, or several canning factories in Tapia de Casariego, Puerto de the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, or Portugal. The purpose of
Vega and La Arena. our proposal coincides with the objectives of the UNESCO Convention
On the other hand, the presence of fishing-related intangible heri- on the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and so our objective is to foster
tage in UNESCO's listings worldwide is scarce compared to other cul- “measures aimed at ensuring the viability of the intangible cultural
tural expressions and manifestations. The List of the Cultural Intangible heritage, including the identification, documentation, research, pre-
Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding includes “Sanké mon, collective servation, protection, promotion, enhancement, transmission, particu-
fishing rite of the Sanké” in Mali, registered in 2009, and the larly through formal and non-formal education, as well as the re-
“Traditional skills of building and sailing Iranian Lenj boats in the vitalization of the various aspects of such heritage” (UNESCO, 2003).
Persian Gulf” from the Islamic Republic of Iran, registered in 2011. The
“Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage” also includes 3. Material and methods
“Shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke” from Belgium, which
was included in 2013, and more recently, in 2016, the “Culture of Jeju This section go initially through the interrelations between cultural
Haenyeo (women divers)” in the Republic of Korea, and the “Argungu heritage, fishing activity and tourism in the context of the sustainable
International Fishing and Cultural Festival” of Nigeria. Also in the development of coastal areas. Then, it describes some relevant attends
“Register of Good Safeguarding Practices”, there is an example of an related to this implemented in Spain. Finally, we analysis how fishing
activity connected to craft shipbuilding, “The Oselvar boat—reframing heritage as a tourism product can improve fishing and fish products
a traditional learning process of building and use to a modern context” processing industries. Moreover, this paper go more deeply on how
from Norway, registered in 2016. these advantages that result on more profitability of fishing activity
Although there are very few examples of fishing culture included in facilitate medium and long run conservation and preservation of fishing
UNESCO's Listings of Intangible Heritage—only six so far—their pre- heritage. Finally, we developed a methodological proposal to analyse
sence can be observed in the three types of registers (Representative the relevant elements of the fishing cultural heritage and its possible
List, List of the Cultural Intangible Heritage in Need of Urgent use as a tourist resource.

3.1. Fishing heritage and cultural tourism

2
These competences were transferred in 1984, when democracy was con-
solidating in Spain after years of dictatorship. With the 1978 Constitution, the An insight into the processes that have turned many places in the
State was configured as a territory of “autonomous communities”. Legally re- world into tourist attractions in recent years inevitably leads us to link
cognised communities would have major capacity for self-decision and man- them to cultural heritage. Heritage and tourism have been transformed
agement. in a parallel and interwoven manner, affecting each other in such a way
3
A region declared as an “Autonomous Community” in southern Spain. that it is now difficult to understand the “heritage, culture and tourism”

3
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

triad without taking into account how much they are interrelated. which marks the end of the sardine season, and the multiple museums
It is well known that tourism has become one of the most influential dedicated to fishing, such as the Palamós Fishing Museum, and the O
economic sectors worldwide. One effect of its industrialisation is that it Grove Fishing and Salting Museum, located in such places as Santa
has become accessible to many parts of society, such as different social Pola, Fuerteventura, and Castro Urdiales.
classes and socioeconomic levels, and to groups with various interests,
such as sports, gastronomy, and nature. The changes in tourism come 3.3. Tourism, fishing and fishing heritage
from its adaptation to new market demands and the variation in and
expansion of the activities tourists are seeking. Travel agencies and Touristic and fishing activities, both on land and aboard a boat, can
companies have been innovating tourism beyond mere leisure by be very diverse and varied, depending on the area, the port, and the
creating such activities as cultural, rural, sports, religious and ethno- time of year; therefore, it is possible to adapt them specifically to each
tourism, which need not be mutually exclusive. Tourism has thus di- tourist. The aim is to bring the visitor closer to the world of fishing, as
versified in line with emerging interests. Within these new interests, we presented directly by the fishermen themselves, the rightful cultural
can include an interest in fishing heritage as a tourist resource. owners. As a result, the cultural heritage of fishing offers enormous
Countries with a deep-rooted fishing tradition have experienced a possibilities for the development of complementary touristic products
loss in the importance of fishing in recent years, not only due to the that combine nature and the traditional culture of coastal areas. It is
decline of the sector's productivity, its overexploitation, and rising therefore necessary to take advantage of this cultural heritage in order
costs, but also due to strong competition from imports (Gascuel et al., to avoid a decline in the profitability of the fishing sector, and thus
2011). For example, in Spain, the fishing sector has expanded steadily ensure the viability of fishing communities and allow employment le-
since the 18th century. Fishing communities, consolidated by the vels to be maintained, not only in the sector, but also in activities re-
Register of Seamen, experienced a never-before seen boom that gen- lated to this cultural heritage, which, is undoubtedly the main differ-
erated a culture that has survived to this day. Now, when this social and entiating characteristic of fishing communities. It is also worth
cultural heritage is facing the risk of disappearing, it becomes necessary mentioning that the role of women, as keepers of fishing traditions, has
to invest further effort into maintaining and preserving it, as well as to been paramount for heritage being passed down to future generations
try to ensure that this heritage helps to compensate for the loss of (Nadel-Klein, 2000). In this vein, intertwining fishing with tourism is a
competition in the sector. It is necessary to break away from the idea of necessary task for both sectors in coastal communities (Kaltenborn
“fishing more” by focussing on the idea of “fishing better”, thereby et al., 2012), where the promotion and preservation of the fishing
giving additional value to the products of fishing, and thus demon- heritage is a complementary activity that must strengthen local
strating the effort inherent in this activity, conserving and dis- economies (Howard and Pinder, 2003). Fishing tourism, developed by
seminating the fishing culture, traditions and customs, for the ultimate seafaring professionals, can add much value to fishing products. This
goal of persuading the general population of the need to conserve entails turning heritage elements into touristic resources, such as re-
marine and coastal ecosystems. It is often said that only what is known purposing fish markets and open spaces as restaurants, salting factories
is valued, and there is no better way of knowing an activity than by and similar venues as museums and interpretation or research centres,
experiencing it personally, in the case of fishing through such activities and lighthouses as hotels. The goal is to ensure that this new use does
as visiting ports, fish markets and guilds, discovering first-hand how the not alter the appearance and spoil the authenticity of the particular
gear and boats are made, learning how to identify quality fish, and element of fishing heritage, but instead reminds the user of the ele-
observing how it is marketed. ment's original purpose. It is also essential that this new use take into
account the preservation of the marine and coastal environment and
3.2. Fishing heritage and tourism in Spain ecosystems (Howard and Pinder, 2003).
Now that the risks and difficulties have been identified, let us re-
In general, the tourism of fishing aims to make the world of pro- consider the suitability of generating development from the fishing
fessional fishing compatible with tourist demand. In Spain, it occurs heritage, and understanding this development from both an economic
seasonally along the coast, through the promotion and dissemination of and social point of view. We cannot ignore the benefits that tourism can
traditional fishing culture (Molina García, 2013). Examples of activities provide the local economies of these fishing destinations, especially if
include guided tours along the coast to fish auctions, workshops where they are small populations that are often marginalised by more popular
fishing gear are manufactured and repaired, lighthouses, local ship- tourist destinations. Tourists and travellers are becoming increasingly
yards where traditional wooden vessels are built, and visiting re- interested in destinations related fishing. Attracting this type of tourism
productions and originals of traditional fishing and vintage boats, as can enhance the beauty—in terms of cultural interest—of any place in
well as festivals commemorating the culture of fishing (Apraiz Zallo, the world, if the appropriate strategies are managed properly, and
2007). generate wealth and promote local economic development.
The tourism of fishing also includes sea-themed shops selling nau- Pursuing economic gain from the cultural heritage of fishing is
tical merchandise, museums and monuments dedicated to the local perfectly legitimate, and moreover, at times it has been possible to
history and traditions of fishing, accommodations in fishing or light- preserve elements of the cultural heritage of fishing, which would
houses, as well as a focus on the gastronomy of fishing, including sea- otherwise have faded into oblivion, thanks directly to these economic
food competitions and cookbooks. One example is the replica of the Nao gains. We find magnificent examples of fishing architecture and im-
Victoria that was built in a shipyard in Isla Cristina (Huelva), and its movable heritage that have been restored and adapted for tourism or
subsequent recreation of the original ship's historic voyage around the repurposed for new use. For example, everyday fishing utensils are now
world. Other examples are festivals and gastronomic fairs, such as the being used as decorative objects, and the household goods and tradi-
Chirla (Chamelea gallina) Fair in Punta Umbría (Huelva), Tuna tional kitchens of fishing communities have now become fashionable.
(Thunnus thynnus) Week in Isla Cristina (Huelva), and the Tuna Buildings and artisanal tools and fishing techniques are still conserved
(Thunnus thynnus) Fair in Barbate (Cádiz), as well as the Erizada today thanks to the new uses they have been given. This repurposing of
(Paracentrotus lividus) Festival and Ostionada (Crassostrea angulate) the fishing heritage is undoubtedly the best strategy for its protection,
Festival at the Carnivals of Cádiz, and the cooking and recipe compe- conservation, and dissemination. Thus, tourism can be viewed as one of
titions sponsored by the government of the Canary Islands and held at the most important engines for disseminating the cultural heritage of
various locations on the Canary Islands. There is the use of fishing fishing today.
benchmarks in festivals, such as the Entierro de la sardina (the burial of Using a terminology close to that used in studies of impact based on
the sardine-sardina pilchardus), which is present in many carnivals and input-output analysis (Bowitz and Ibenholt, 2009; Parga Dans and

4
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

Alonso González, 2017), we are able to establish different levels of the markets, shipyards, salt pans, and cold storage), movable heritage (e.g.,
economic effects of tourism on the fishing sector. One direct effect may boats and unique fishing tools), and intangible heritage (e.g., knowl-
be comprised of activities in which tourists pay to board fishing vessels edge and techniques, festivals, food, and oral traditions). The heritage
in order to observe and learn about fishing activities, navigation in- elements in a case study areas that are legally protected should be
struments, coastal routes or the marine environment. These activities analysed, catalogued, and inventoried. A database containing all ele-
could be done in conjunction with actual fishing expeditions, on which ments of the cultural heritage of the area under study should be created,
tourists learn fishing techniques, both during and off the fishing season. classifying their level of protection (if any), conservation, and possible
Another direct effect could be derived from guided tours to fish mar- risk of disappearance. Another objective should be to suggest to the
kets, where the additional revenue may allow for a reduction of the governments of each area under study that selected elements be de-
sales tax on the merchandise, which in turn would reduce the overall clared as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
price of the merchandise and thus increase the net income of the fish- Thirdly, the current impact of the fishing heritage on tourism, and
ermen. the potential effect on the areas under study should be assessed from a
Then there are activities related to the tourism of fishing that may socioeconomic perspective. To do this, current users and agents of the
have an indirect effect on the fishing sector, such as the organisation of tourism sector would need to be surveyed in order to gather informa-
guided tours along the coast, and workshops for the manufacture and tion for the implementation of “contingent valuation models” and other
repair of fishing gear, lighthouses, local shipyards, and dry docks. techniques to quantify the use-value and the non-use value of cultural
Similarly, stores selling nautical and marine merchandise, museums heritage of the fishing (Claesson, 2011).
dedicated to fishing, the promotion of local seafood and cuisine, and Finally, proposals should be drawn up to promote elements of the
offering accommodations in the homes or neighbourhoods of fishermen fishing heritage by linking them to tourism. Studies will be conducted
may also have an indirect effect on local fishing communities by im- of fishing heritage elements that are currently tourist resources, as well
proving the image of the products, promoting them internationally, and as of a selection of elements that may be potential tourist resources.
creating customer loyalty. Nevertheless, several proposals shall be put forward and encouraged,
In addition, both the direct and indirect effects of the tourism of such as tourist routes and guided tours of the fishing heritage, the
fishing will generate “induced effects” through the incorporation of the creation of local museums, workshops and schools, the sale of mer-
income obtained in the consumption of the families. chandise (e.g., model boats, miniatures, reproductions of maps, and
Obviously, the perception by fishing societies that the tourism cookbooks), and the creation of associations in defence of the fishing
linked to fishing cultural heritage can and should contribute to im- heritage.
proving the “added value” of fishing and, in general, all coastal popu- In this vein, it is essential to bear in mind the actions and inter-
lations, implies a greater propensity on their part to defend, protect, ventions of already existing associations whose goal is to protect the
and preserve the cultural heritage of fishing. maritime heritage. Los Astilleros Nereo, an enclave in the form of a
riverbank carpentry shop formally protected by the Junta de Andalucía,
3.4. A methodological proposal has been the subject of controversy for some time when the City Council
of Málaga wanted to demolish it. The association Amigos de la Barca de
Specific projects have been designed to implement a clear-cut plan Jábega, together with other associations, fought to defend this heritage.
for the patrimonialisation of the cultural heritage of fishing, focussing Other noteworthy associations in Spain include El Laúd of Isla Cristina
primarily on protecting, safeguarding, and disseminating it for tourism (Huelva), the Plataforma en Defensa del Sector Marítimo Pesquero of
(Florido-Corral, 2013). One example is the project, “People of the Sea: Galicia, Albaola de Pasaia (Gipuzkoa), Villas Marineras on the
an Approach to the Cultural and Fishing Reality of the Peninsular Cantabrian side, which promotes fishing tourism, the cultural associa-
Coastline Through Photography,” that covers the autonomous com- tion Remadoira, in Vigo, and the project developed by the Cofradía de
munities of Andalusia, Galicia, and Murcia, and also extends to the Lira de Carnota (A Coruña).
south of Portugal. Another example is the “Andalusia Fishing & Tourism
Project”, which analyses the Andalusian historical and cultural fishing 4. Results: a case study
heritage by identifying and cataloguing heritage elements. Specifically,
it re-evaluates architectural heritage, traditional trades, and knowledge One possible proposal to implement this methodology is the case
of the environment, recovers historiographical materials, traditional study of Isla Cristina in Huelva (Spain). Isla Cristina was founded in the
objects, oral traditions and traditional gastronomy, and creates various middle of the 18th century when fomentadores (sardine merchants)
pilot projects, such as an interpretation centre for tuna traps, seminars, from the Spanish Mediterranean settled the area. These people had
and conferences. been making seasonal trips to purchase sardines from local jábegas
However, a proposal for action should be established to identify the fishermen to then sell them on the beach since the beginning of the 19th
relevant elements of the cultural fishing heritage, economically eval- century (see Fig. 1). They settled on a small island surrounded by
uate these elements, and identify the effects that such implementation marshes called La Figuereta or La Higuerita. The sardine business
could generate in the affected communities, in order to help propose reached its maximum glory at the end of the 18th century, when more
specific touristic activities. than 40 companies were engaged in the fish salting business, exporting
Specific objectives for action should be considered in any project to their products to ports all over the Mediterranean (Miravent y Soler,
safeguard the cultural fishing heritage. First, information and doc- 1850; Oyarvide, 1776). At the end of the 19th century, canning fac-
umentation should be sought. To this end, we differentiate the biblio- tories were set up, and the fishing gear of tarrafa was introduced and
graphic record between specialised literature on heritage, cultural several tuna traps were placed. The golden age of the fishing industry
fishing heritage and fishing culture, case studies of specific areas, and occurred between the second and third decade of the 20th century
the documentation record, distinguishing between archival-journalistic (Rodríguez Santamaría, 1923).
documentation (e.g., sources and publications in newspapers and ma- After the Spanish Civil War, the fall in foreign demand for canned
gazines), graphic documentation (e.g., photographs) and audio files food led to the closure of many factories and tuna traps, although the
(e.g., interviews and videos). business of salting sardines survived, as it became a low-priced food
Secondly, the fishing heritage must be identified and studied in the that helped to supplement the food shortages in Spain at the time. The
selected case studies. The aim is to locate, record, and geographically depletion of stocks in the Gulf of Cádiz caused more traditional vessels,
reference the elements of the fishing heritage that are found in each such as galeones tarraferos and jábegas, to be replaced by modern
study area: immovable heritage (e.g., factories, ports, fish markets, ones—the massones—which began to operate in the waters of the rich

5
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

Fig. 1. Evolution of the fishing landings in the port of Isla Cristina (1847–2017). Sources: 1842–1846, Archive of the Naval Museum; 1847–1856; “General State of
the Army”, 1856–1918, estimates made from “General statistics on foreign trade in Spain” and “General statistics of cabotage trade”; 1919–1936, Public Archive of
the City Council of Isla Cristina, 1940 to 1970, “Fisheries Statistics”, Ministry of the Navy; 1971–1984, Maritime Fishing Yearbooks, Spanish Government, 1985 to
2017, Regional Government of Andalusia. The series includes the landings of the coastal fleet and the tall fleet, as well as the tuna traps.

Saharan fishing grounds in the 1950s (Arranz, 1966). After the in- Table 2
dependence of Morocco in 1954, and the extension of its territorial Labour market situation in 2016.
waters in 1981, it was difficult to maintain this activity, although it was Isla Cristina Province of Andalucia Spain
the strengthening of the Spanish economy and the decline in con- Huelva
sumption of salted fish and preserved sardines that led to its ruin (see
Fig. 1). Of the eighty factories that existed in the 1960s, only half a Employed population 5899 196,148 2,841,075 17,518,426
Unemployed population 2567 55,174 935,018 3,868,898
dozen survived into the late 1970s. It was at that time that the fishing Unemployment rate 30.32% 21.95% 24.76% 18.09%
sector was forced to reinvent itself by focussing on trawlers that di-
rected their efforts towards the capture of crustaceans (deep-water pink Source: Ministry of Labor, Migration and Social Security.
shrimp -parapenaeus longirostris- and Norway lobster -nephrops norve-
gicus-), on small purse seiners that caught sardines, anchovies (engraulis 2016. This represents a growth rate of 280.3% and 179.7 rooms per
encrasicolus), and chub mackerel (scomber colias), and on small vessels 1000 people, compared to a growth rate of 93.2% and 40.4 hotel rooms
that used to capture bivalves such as the Striped Venus (chamelea gal- per 1000 people in Spain (Table 3). This is evidence that a regime shift
lina). took place in the main industries of Isla Cristina in recent decades.
Isla Cristina is a municipality located in the province of Huelva in Presently, Isla Cristina is the most important fishing port on the
southwestern Spain (see Illustration 1). Its population has grown 2% Andalusian coastline with a production of 10,400 metric tonnes per
from 1996 to 2016, reaching 21,165 inhabitants, in contrast with a year (in 2016), reaching an auction value of more than 29.7 million
1.6% growth rate during that twenty year period of the entire popu- euros and a fleet of 390 boats. All of these factors, and some yet-to-be
lation of Spain (Table 1). In 2016, Isla Cristina's labour force was 5899 described, make Isla Cristina and its fishing culture an appropriate case
workers, making its unemployment rate 30.3%, whereas the un- study.
employment rate in the province of Huelva was 22.1%, and in the Due to its historical trajectory and strong fishing roots—a priority
whole of Spain it was 18.1% (Table 2). In Isla Cristina, fishing employs for the islanders—Isla Cristina treasures an essential and extensive
519 fishermen and generates 744 jobs in canning, distribution, and cultural fishing heritage. We will highlight some of the most out-
other related industries. The population of Isla Cristina is employed 10 standing elements of its immovable, movable, and intangible heritage,
to 30 times more by the fishing industry than the populations of the and then propose actions that may have a positive impact on activating
province of Huelva or Spain as a whole (Fig. 2). this heritage as a resource for touristic and local development.
Tourism has developed considerably in Isla Cristina in the last two Immovable heritage includes buildings such as the chancas (fish
decades, so that hotel rooms increased from 1000 in 1996 to 3803 in salting factories) of the early 19th century that, reused as warehouses

Table 1
Evolution of the population of Isla Cristina, Huelva and Spain (1996–2016).
Population (103) Annual Accumulative Growt Rate

1996 2006 2016 1996–2006 2006–2016 1996–2016

Isla Cristina 17,3 20,3 21,2 1.6% 0.4% 2.0%

Huelva (Prov.) 454,7 492,2 519,6 0.8% 0.5% 1.3%
Andalucia 7,234,9 7,975,7 8,388,1 1.0% 0.5% 1.5%
Spain 39,669,4 44,709,0 46,557,0 1.2% 0.4% 1.6%

Source: Official population figures resulting from the revision of the Municipal Register, National Institute of Statistics (INE).

6
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

Fig. 2. Relative importance of jobs related to fishing activity

in the maritime district of Isla Cristina (1920–2010). Source:
Rodríguez Santamaría (1919); Fishery Statistics
(1933–1980), Canning Industry Statistics (1953–1978); SABI
Database (1990–2016); Ministry of Labor, Migration and
Social Security (1980–2016); Population Censuses, National
Institute of Statistics (INE).

Table 3 former Juan Mirabent Canning Factory (see Illustration 1), which has
Evolution of hotel capacity (1996–2016) in Spain, Andalusia, Huelva and Isla been restored to house the “Innovation and Technology Centre for
Cristina. Fishing and the Processing of Fish Products (GARUM)”. We consider
1996 2016 this measure to be appropriate in that it grants a new use to this
property without distorting its original use, although at present it is
3
Number of Rate per 10 Number of Rate per 103 underused due to a lack of funds.
hotel places inhabitants hotel places inhabitants
Other important buildings are the shipyards and dry docks, where
Spain 972,721 25 1,879,369 40 wooden vessels were once built, but which now are used mainly for to
Andalucia 173,559 24 293,600 35 the maintenance of polyester and fibreglass boats. Some of these ship-
Province of 11,244 25 25,641 49 yards could be part of a tourist trail.
Huelva
The ancient lookouts used by the owners of salt and canning fac-
Isla Cristina 1000 58 3803 180
tories to receive visual signals from boats and thus estimate the man-
Source: IECA, Junta de Andalucía. power needed to unload and to processing the fish before the boats
arrived at the port are of great interest. The oldest preserved lookout in
and shops, still retain part of their original architectural structure, in- Isla Cristina is located at Calle Real 12 (Illustration 1). It was built in
cluding the salt ponds. We propose to select some, for example the one 1880 by the ship-owner Diego Pérez Pascual, and you can still see the
in Muelle de Marina, and convert them into interpretation centres on the support for the telescope (López Márquez, 2006). This and other
manufacture of salted fish. lookouts could also be part of a tourist trail.
The buildings of some of the canning factories from the late 19th The old fish market house or Lonja de Agadir, built in the 1940s in
and early 20th centuries in Muelle Martinez Catena and Muelle de Marina Muelle de Marina to auction the sardines caught in the south, is actually
are still being maintained today. The most remarkable building is the a metal pergola that bears the weight of a roof, and currently serves as a

Illustration 1. Location of Isla Cristina and some of its heritage sites.

7
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

shelter for net makers (Illustration 1). It could be used to show tourists of the gears that have been used over the centuries, such as creels, built
how nets are reviewed before being used. This would involve hiring a with reeds or nets, which were banned by Royal Decree 1428/1997,
net-making expert for a few hours a day, and would inevitably have a and only survive in illegal activities. These particular forms of fishing
positive impact on safeguarding the intangible heritage of the art of net used to comprise—and still do—a whole compendium of knowledge
making. about a trade that was not learned in school, but was transmitted from
Some buildings, monuments, neighbourhoods, and streets show one generation to the next, from parents to children.
how fishing is linked to different social classes in island society. For However, in addition to the knowledge and techniques involved in
example, the houses of the local oligarchy (professionals of the canning the actual practice of fishing, the fisherman or his assistants—some-
industry, ship-owners, and industrial workers), such as the one built by times family members, apprentices or other retired fishermen—had to
Aníbal González, the Casa Patio San Francisco (former masonic lodge master other related tasks that also involved specialised knowledge:
and current Department of Culture), the Casa de Román Pérez Romeu maintenance of vessels and boats, making gear, repairing nets, taking
(currently a library), and the Casino, represent the bourgeoisie, while care of equipment, and preserving the catch on board (putting it on ice)
the monument La Estibadora (dedicated to the women who worked in and preparing it on shore for consumption and use through curing,
salting factories), the Monument to the Fisherman, and the Monument drying or salting. Three actions should, therefore, be taken to protect
to the Sailor, and fishing districts, such as Punta del Caimán, represent and disseminate this heritage. First, collect this knowledge and ex-
the working class. These buildings, monuments, and neighbourhoods perience in sound and video archives, thereby giving voice to its pro-
could be part of a tourist trail, and, in some cases, could even be visited tagonists, and storing and amassing life stories that UNESCO has called
(see Illustration 1). “living human treasures”. Second, display these techniques and mate-
The salt pans, located on both sides of Pozo del Camino road, are rial culture in interpretation centres and museums. Third, transmit this
still in use, though some have been transformed into aquaculture farms, knowledge, techniques, and material culture through courses and
where gilthead seabream (sparus aurata) and European seabass workshops.
(Dicentrarchus labrax) are fattened. Its inclusion on tourist trails would Another of the traditional craftsmanship techniques is the building
help us to understand how mankind adapted to the environment and of traditional wooden vessels. There used to be eight small carpentries
created new specialities, such as flor de sal, as well as to visualise the in Isla Cristina that supplied the local fleet and those of other nearby
role played by the fishing reservoirs in the salt marshes. areas. Its period of splendour was in the 1960s and 1970s, when the
One type of movable heritage that stands out is the traditional Social Credit for Fisheries led to the reconversion and modernisation of
boat, especially the small dredge boats and trawlers built in the 1960s the sector. The manufacture of these ships included a whole set of
whose construction is reminiscent of the vessels used in the 19th cen- knowledge and techniques: the design of the boats, drawing blueprints,
tury (e.g., jábegas, laudes, faluchos).4 Unfortunately, over the last twenty acquiring the appropriate wood, the pre-treatment of this wood, the
years, many of the traditional wooden boats have disappeared and have arrangement of the ship's internal structure, the lining of the frames, the
been replaced by polyester boats. The last wooden boat built in Isla caulking of the boat, acquiring appropriate materials (e.g., hessian,
Cristina harbour dates to 2001, although fifteen boats built between pitch, and tar, to guarantee insulation), painting the boat, installing
1950 and 1970 are still in operation, and one even dating back to engines and technical instruments, if applicable, and the rest of the
1900.5 Some of the vessels that have been removed have been used for topside. Local governments should be encouraged to help finance the
ornamental purposes, such as public monuments. Boats currently in use maintenance of a riverside carpentry workshop, which, in addition to
could be displayed, and boats no longer in use could be used for ca- building new boats, could be a repair shop for older vessels.
tering purposes, to offer seafood, for instance. Other elements of mo- The preparation of food, produce or gastronomy related to fishing is
vable heritage, such as fishing gear, nasas, alcatruces, trap nets or dif- another intangible heritage that is worth highlighting. Fish and shellfish
ferent types of nets (e.g., trasmallos, tapaesteros) could be exhibited or are staple foods on fishing coasts, something that is clearly observed in
recreated through models in a museum or interpretation centres. Some Isla Cristina. In this vein, we can differentiate between the daily food
of these pieces and/or their reproductions, not to mention other types consumed by the fishermen at sea—a communal meal consisting of a
of elements, such as paintings, engravings, maps, books and literature fish stew—and the food of the families on land, which, although it also
on traditional fishing, furniture, scale models, and ornaments with included stews, was made with fish of lower quality (which was not
seafaring motifs could also be sold in specialised shops. sold), such as morralla or jarampa.6 Families also had the possibility of
But, without a doubt, if there is one thing that stands out in all this, frying the fish. Apart from the catch brought by fishermen—the
it has to be intangible heritage, above all because of its capacity to breadwinners—there was and still is an underground economy of har-
identify and differentiate between specific groups of people, its vul- vesting and shellfish, which complemented the daily diet or was sold
nerability (a consequence of its symbolic capacity as a cultural identi- through informal channels, such as catching coquinas (Donax trun-
fier), and its risk of disappearing. In this regard, we draw on the areas of culus), longuerón (Solen marginatus), almejas finas (Ruditapes de-
Intangible Cultural Heritage that UNESCO distinguishes in its 2003 cussatus), camarones (Palaemon spp.), and bocas de cangrejos (Uca
Convention. The latter two areas refer to “knowledge and practices tangeri). It should be borne in mind that the islanders constitute a
relating to nature and the universe” and “traditional craft techniques”. population born from the salt and canned fish factories, so they have a
In other words, fishing entails knowing for example the environment, deep cultural tradition that includes different ways of salting and
habitats, and the customs of marine fauna (including, for example, lo- conserving fish, the half-salting (salpresado) of fishes, the skinning and
cating fish by observing the flight of seabirds), reproductive cycles, sea filleting by hand (ronqueo) of the bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), the
currents, orographic features of the seabed, climatology, and the preparation of traditional sauces, and the manufacture of traditional
coastline. It also includes knowledge of the fishing gears and crafts, and containers and barrels. Ways to protect this heritage could include
mastery of the techniques used in traditional and artisanal fishing (see compiling it in recipe books, promoting it through contests and com-
Appendix I). petitions, and disseminating it to local restaurateurs.
Regulations have to a large extent led to the disappearance of many All these activities involve a specific vocabulary, oral expressions,
and ways of speaking (which would be UNESCO's primary domain), the

4
Traditional wooden sailing fishing boat.
5
This process of replacing traditional craft with new polyester or fibreglass 6
The parts of the fish that had deteriorated or were damaged by the nets, and
vessels is taking place throughout Europe. See the Adriatic coast, for example were separated from the rest of the catch by the crew. The crew shared in this
(Bender, 2014, 2015). low quality fish equally.

8
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

value of which should be considered. In addition to an extensive oral overfishing, climate change, use of the seas as landfills) (Allison,
tradition that narrates nautical events and those related to fishing, and Beveridge and van Brakel, 2009); changes in regulations, such as in-
includes the names of people and places, vernacular names of fish and troducing limits on catch quantity, on the composition of a catch, on
other species, expressions, proverbs, superstitions, and beliefs, fishing discards, restrictive policies on fishing seasons or the size of fleets,
communities, such as Isla Cristina, regardless of whether the population banning locations and limiting the size of the fish to be sold (Morales-
is Catalan, Levantine, Castilian or Galician-Portuguese, have their own Nin, Grau and Palmer, 2010); changes in the organisation of fishing,
way of speaking due to the cultural influences of fishing. It is essential this being much more organic and structured, and breaking with in-
to document this heritage, if possible, by means of recordings. formal customary institutions (Acheson, 2006); and changes in eco-
Finally, taking into account the third area of intangible heritage nomic models and strategies for the commercialisation of fish in global
identified by UNESCO, that of “social uses, rituals and festive events,” markets, with intense and growing competition (Manuel-Navarrete, Kay
when speaking about Isla Cristina, we cannot overlook the Festivities of and Dolderman, 2004).
the Virgin of Carmen, which are celebrated on or around the 16th of All these changes, and others not mentioned, reveal a transforma-
July, as they are in many other coastal areas. The connections with the tion in the perception of fishing as a livelihood. Fishing societies have
fishing sector are evidenced by the annual homage paid to the oldest gradually changed their habits and customs, and diversified their
sailor of the Brotherhood, the fishing competitions, the boat races along economy due to the lack of profitability of traditional fishing. Many
the Carreras estuary, and the procession of the Virgin of Carmen, an coastal, traditionally fishing communities have radically transformed
undisputed patron saint (symbol) of the sea. their economy by focussing on tourism and the service sector, leaving
However, the area where most of the sailors from Almería and their subsistence fishing behind as a marginal activity in light of the emer-
families live, a stronghold of the main fishing enclave, the Barriada de la gence of more profitable types of fishing, namely the fishing industry
Punta del Caimán, still maintains its own festivities (Sosa, 1970). and even sports fishing (Durán et al., 2015; Khakzad, 2018; Piasecki
Paradoxically, the festival of this neighbourhood is dedicated to the et al., 2016; Ropars-Collet, Leplat and Goffe, 2017).
Virgin of Sea, patron saint of Almería, which denotes the origin of its The idea of applying the axioms of patrimonialisation to fishing
inhabitants. Most of the sequences and elements that make up this appears during the process, which, as we have seen, is an activity that
festive ritual are related to the sea: the floral offering to the Virgin is identifies and distinguishes people and groups. It is a heritage of cul-
made with traditional sailors' costumes, a large grilled sardine party is tural interest. Traditional fishing is still a job, a hard and risky job,
held in El Cantil, a regatta is held along with a procession that reaches which can even lead to the death of those who perform it. Although
down to the sea. The importance of women in marine culture is high- working conditions have changed with new technologies and regula-
lighted in this procession, which begins with the Virgin being carried by tions, fishermen still find it difficult to see fishing as a heritage of
the women, who lead her onto the beach, where she is collected by the cultural interest. However, many manifestations, expressions, techni-
men who place her in a fishing boat and take her through the estuary. ques, and traditional knowledge are being maintained and preserved as
The fishing villages are matriarchies where women, who spend long identifying elements of social cohesion and evidence of a common
periods on their own without men, make all decisions about family history—historical memory (Garavito-Bermúdez and Lundholm, 2017;
expenses, take care of all domestic affairs, and raise children by Sampson and Goodrich, 2009; van Ginkel, 2001). Keeping this heritage
themselves. In the case of Isla Cristina, women had an additional pe- alive by promoting and protecting it is something that our governments
culiarity compared to other seafaring societies: their work in the can- must do. For this purpose, there is already legal recourse in many states,
ning and salting factories made them wage earners, which gave them a including at the international level, highlighted by the role UNESCO
certain economic status even under male control. plays in relation to preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage. However,
The sense of neighbourliness that living in Punta del Caimán meant there is still little interest in this type of heritage, which makes greater
and its links with the nearby town of Punta del Moral (Ayamonte), commitment and action by the agencies involved essential.
isolated for a long time (Cáceres and Corbacho, 2013), are seen in the The case study included in section 4 evidences multiple options
close personal relationships between them, including female solidarity, available to turn fishing cultural heritage into a resource for tourism.
formal and informal associations among seafarers, and the sharing of This paper standardizes the more relevant options to turn fishing cul-
both daily life and important life events. These festivities and the social tural heritage into a tourism product for this case study according
cohesion between towns, including their ways of living and inter- section 3.2 typology. Some remarkable tourism business ventures are
personal relationships should be supported by the local government, for taking advance of the aforementioned options offering visits to
example, by recognizing them as being a “Festivity of National Tourist wholesale fish markets, fish cannery, salt marshes and fishing port fa-
Interest”.7 cilities. An example of how tourism based on the exploitation of the
In short, we believe that Isla Cristina's marine heritage is extra- fishing cultural heritage can increase the added value of the fishing
ordinarily relevant and representative of other similar towns. On the sector itself is as follows. During the last two years, there have been
one hand, it has its own unique characteristics that make it suitable for widespread tourist visits to the fish markets in Isla Cristina, Ayamonte
analysis. On the other, it offers an object of study that can be applied to or Punta Umbría, towns on the coast of the province of Huelva,
other cases. sometimes organised by companies and other times directly by fish-
ermen's organisations (associations of shipowners and fishermen's
guilds), where visitors attend fish auctions and are then offered a
5. Discussion and conclusion
tasting of seafood cuisine. The income generated by the visit goes di-
rectly to the fishing sector and its associations and is therefore addi-
With a simple glance at the changes that have taken place in the
tional income to the extractive activity itself derived from tourism
fishing industry, we can see that they are indeed related to various
based on intangible cultural heritage. Another example is the fishing-
other factors, all of which are interrelated: changes in fishing itself,
tourism activities, limited initially by restrictive legal interpretations of
with the incorporation of new technologies in vessels and fishing gear
the professional competences of the professional titles of the skippers
(Prosperi, Bartolini, Brunori and Kirwan, 2016); changes in fish species,
and fishing captains, now they are slowly incorporated, with tourists
in their number, size, and age distribution, and even in the relative
who share a day's fishing on the vessel by paying the shipowner pre-
share of sexes, due to the effect of humans on the environment (e.g.,
established rates. We could give many other examples, such as visits to
canning factories or salt pans, activities that are becoming generalized
7
The Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional is a honorary denomination granted to and, in some way, allow the extractive and transforming sector to ob-
festivities or events that are celebrated in Spain. tain additional benefits. Nonetheless, this is not subject to previous

9
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

planning and does not consider the positive impact of this interest on developing local economies. Tourism and its new demands are pre-
the conservation and safeguarding of fishing cultural heritage. sented as an alternative to reactivate fishing, through its reinterpreta-
Nevertheless, the setting up of the association for fishing develop- tion as a cultural heritage, highlighting cultural elements that would
ment of the Western coastal area of Huelva (Costaluz) can encourage otherwise be lost. The patrimonialisation of fishing, even with new uses
policy maker to develop new policies not only aimed at using fishing and benefits, new meanings and pretexts, and old and new participants
cultural heritage as a tourism resource, but also at the preservation of it (fishing communities and tourists, respectively), can become a tre-
for future generations. This is evidence if we analysis main themes of mendously effective means of safeguarding the fishing culture.
the Participative Local Development Strategy that includes actions like
the promotion of tourist fishing, valuing environmental cultural heri-
tage, integrated maritime policy for the protection of ecosystems and Acknowledgements
exploited maritime resources, or the revitalization and optimization of
cultural heritage wealth of local areas as a sign of cultural identity.8 This work was supported partially by the research project of ex-
There are not specific policies implemented related to this action by cellence, “La Gestión Pública del Patrimonio Etnológico,” (Grant
now due to the recent adoption of this strategic actions, however it is number P11-HUM-7377) of the Consejería de Economía, Innovación,
expected that actions related to the principles stated in this paper will Ciencia y Empleo de la Junta de Andalucía and the Spanish Ministerio
be in place soon next years. The vision of cultural heritage from the de Economía y Competitividad; and by the research contract,
perspective of the economic profitability it may generate has an impact “Patrimonio Cultural Pesquero”, funded by the Caja Rural del Sur,
on the increased attention paid to this heritage as a resource capable of S.C.A. (Contract number 11/2015).

Appendix A. Supplementary data

Supplementary data to this article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2018.10.023.

Appendix I

Fishing Gears and Fishing Instruments.

Spanish English

Alcatruz Traditional mud traps for octopuses

Almadraba Tuna trap set
Azada, azadón Hoe
Boliche Small beach seining net with codend
Cordel Handline
Corvinal Bottom set gillnet
Jábega Beach seine net with codend
Lavada Small beach seine net without codend
Nasas Fish pots
Palangres Long lines
Rastros Clam dredges
Sardinal Fixed gillnet
Tapaestero Stake net, stake gillnet
Tarrafa Purse seine

References Chiarappa, M., 2005. Great lakes commercial fishing architecture: the endurance and
transformation of a region's landscape/Waterscape No title. Perspect. Vernac. Archit.
10, 217–232. Retrieved from. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3514350.
Allison, E.H., Beveridge, M.C.M., van Brakel, M., 2009. Climate change, small-scale Claesson, S., 2011. The value and valuation of maritime cultural heritage. Int. J. Cult.
fisheries and smallholder aquaculture. In: Wramer, P., Cullberg, M., Ackefors, H. Property 18, 61–80. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0940739111000051.
(Eds.), Fisheries, sustainability and development. Royal Swedish Academy of Doyon, S., 2015. Losing ground: the marginalization of the St. Lawrence eel fisheries in
Agriculture and Forestry, Stockholm, pp. 109. Québec, Canada. Mar. Pol. 61, 331–338. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
Apraiz Zallo, J.A., 2007. La recuperación del Patrimonio Marítimo y la Navegación marpol.2014.11.011.
Tradicional en el País Vasco. Revisión y nuevas perspectivas. Zainak 29, 215–238. Durán, R., Farizo, B.A., Vázquez, M.X., 2015. Conservation of maritime cultural heritage:
Arranz, J.B., 1966. Isla Cristina (Huelva): Aportación al estudio de la pesca en España. In: a discrete choice experiment in a European Atlantic Region. Mar. Pol. 51, 356–365.
Homenaje al Excmo. Sr. D. Amando Melón y Ruiz de Gordejuela. Universidad de https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2014.09.023.
Zaragoza, Zaragoza, pp. 191–202. Florido-Corral, D., 2013. Ethnological values and opportunities for establishing a heritage
Bender, J., 2014. Intangible heritage in the maritime realm: the pedagogy of functional policy a round tuna-trapping in Andalusia (Spain). Int. J. Intang. Herit. 8, 55–70.
preservation. Narodna Umjetnost 51 (April), 7–28. https://doi.org/10.15176/ Garavito-Bermúdez, D., Lundholm, C., 2017. Exploring interconnections between local
vol51no101. ecological knowledge, professional identity and sense of place among Swedish
Bender, J., 2015. Conceptual development of the trail methodology for the preservation fishers. Environ. Educ. Res. 23 (5), 627–655. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.
of intangible maritime heritage: a case for the Adriatic coast and islands. J. Mar. 2016.1146662.
Island Cult. 4 (2), 55–64. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.1016/j.imic.2015.09. García del Hoyo, J.J., 2009. El desarrollo de las estadísticas del sector pesquero durante
001. los siglos XVIII y XIX. In: Basulto Santos, J., García del Hoyo, J.J. (Eds.), Historia de la
Bowitz, E., Ibenholt, K., 2009. Economic impacts of cultural heritage - research and Probabilidad y Estadística (IV). Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de
perspectives. J. Cult. Herit. 10 (1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2008.09. Huelva, Huelva, pp. 265–310.
002. Gascuel, D., Bez, N., Forest, A., Guillotreau, P., Laloë, F., Lobry, J., Trenkel, V., 2011. A
Cáceres, R., Corbacho, M.A., 2013. Una propuesta para el análisis de la articulación social future for marine fisheries in Europe (Manifesto of the Association Fran??aise
del litoral andaluz a través de la pesca. Revista Andaluza de Antropología 4, 55–78. d'Halieum??trie). Fish. Res. 109 (1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2011.02.

8
As examples, we refer to some specific initiatives that are being developed directly by the fishing sector or by companies collaborate with it (Landero, 2017a,
2017b; 2018a, 2018b).

10
C. Jiménez de Madariaga, J.J. García del Hoyo Ocean and Coastal Management 168 (2019) 1–11

002. Oyarvide, J.M., 1776. Informe a la Real Sociedad patriótica de Sevilla. Obra manuscrita.
Gordon, H.S., 1954. The economic theory of a common-property Resource : the Fishery. J. In: Archivo Historico de Sevilla. Papeles del Conde del Águila, tomo 61, número 4.
Polit. Econ. 62 (2), 124–142. Sevilla.
Howard, P., Pinder, D., 2003. Cultural heritage and sustainability in the coastal zone: Parga Dans, E., Alonso González, P., 2017. The Altamira controversy: assessing the eco-
experiences in south west England. J. Cult. Herit. 4 (1), 57–68. https://doi.org/ nomic impact of a world heritage site for planning and tourism management. J. Cult.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1296-2074(03)00008-6. Herit. 30, 180–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2017.09.007.
Kaltenborn, B.P., Thomassen, J., Linnell, J.D.C., 2012. Island futures—does a participa- Piasecki, W., Głąbiński, Z., Francour, P., Koper, P., Saba, G., Molina García, A., ...
tory scenario process capture the common view of local residents? Futures 44 (4), Stergiou, K.I., 2016. Pescatourism—A European review and perspective. Acta
328–337. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2011.11.001. Ichthyol. Piscatoria 46 (4), 325–350. https://doi.org/10.3750/AIP2016.46.4.06.
Khakzad, S., 2018. Promoting coastal communities through cultural tourism: the case of Prosperi, P., Bartolini, F., Brunori, G., Kirwan, J., 2016. Strategies of fishers and fish
fishing communities in Brunswick County, North Carolina. J. Herit. Tourism 13 (5), farmers : a preliminary analysis for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture. In: 12th
455–471. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873X.2017.1391272. European IFSA Symposium. Harper Adams University, Shropshire, pp. 1–25.
Khakzad, S., Griffith, D., 2016. The role of fishing material culture in communities' sense Retrieved from: https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/events/ifsa/papers/5/5.4
of place as an added-value in management of coastal areas. J. Mar. Island Cult. 5 (2), Prosperi.pdf.
95–117. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imic.2016.09.002. Rodríguez Santamaría, B., 1923. Diccionario de artes de pesca de España y sus posesiones.
Khakzad, S., Pieters, M., Van Balen, K., 2015. Coastal cultural heritage: a resource to be Imprenta de los sucesores de Rivadeneyra, Madrid.
included in integrated coastal zone management. Ocean Coast Manag. 118, 110–128. Rodríguez Santamaría, B., 1919. La Industria Pesquera de Isla Cristina. Vida Marítima
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2015.07.032. XVIII (632), 316–317.
Landero, J., 2017a. Isla Cristina ofrece una ruta teatralizada por ‘La Higuerita Marinera.’ Ropars-Collet, C., Leplat, M., Goffe, P. Le, 2017. Commercial Fisheries as an Asset for
Huelva Costa. July 18. Retrieved from. https://huelvacosta.com/isla-cristina- Recreational Demand on the Coast: Evidence from a Choice Experiment. Mar. Resour.
ofrece-una-ruta-teatralizada-la-higuerita-marinera/. Econ. 32 (4), 391–409. https://doi.org/10.1086/693022.
Landero, J., 2017b. Una tradición también en miniatura. August 14. Huelva Russ, G.R., Zeller, D.C., 2003. From mare liberum to mare reservarum. Mar. Pol. 27 (1),
Información, pp. 11. Retrieved from. https://www.huelvainformacion.es/huelva/ 75–78. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-597X(02)00054-4.
tradicion-BminiaturaB_0_1163284111.html. Sampson, K.A., Goodrich, C.G., 2009. Making Place: Identity Construction and
Landero, J., 2018a. Visitas turísticas para conocer la lonja. June 5. Huelva Información, Community Formation through “Sense of Place” in Westland, New Zealand. Soc. Nat.
pp. 9. Retrieved from. https://www.huelvainformacion.es/provincia/Visitas- Resour. 22 (10), 901–915. https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920802178172.
turisticas-conocer-lonja_0_1251775122.html. Sharina Abdul Halim, Ong Puay Liu, N.Y., 2011. Participation towards heritage
Landero, J., 2018b. Huelva y su patrimonio pesquero. August 29. Huelva Información, Conservation : case of a fishing community. In: PLANNING MALAYSIA PLANNING
pp. 10. Retrieved from. https://www.huelvainformacion.es/huelva/Huelva- MALAYSIA Conservation with Development: Focus on Langkawi Conservation with
patrimonio-BpesqueroB_0_1277272678.html. Development: Focus on Langkawi, pp. 185–196.
López Márquez, V., 2006. Isla Cristina. Por los caminos de la historia. Diputación Sosa, J., 1970. Historia de Isla Cristina (Biografía sentimental). Gráficas Salesianas,
Provincial de Huelva, Huelva. Sevilla.
Manuel-Navarrete, D., Kay, J.J., Dolderman, D., 2004. Ecological integrity discourses: UNESCO, 2003. Convention for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage. In:
Linking ecology with cultural transformation. Hum. Ecol. Rev. 11 (3), 215–229. The Impact of Uniform Laws on the Protection of Cultural Heritage and the
https://doi.org/10.1109/WAINA.2008.247. Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century, (October), pp. 9–110. https://
Martindale, T., 2014. Heritage, skills and livelihood: reconstruction and regeneration in a doi.org/10.1163/ej.9789004180444.I-786.6.
Cornish fishing port. In: In: Urquhart, J., Acott, T., Symes, D., Zhao, M. (Eds.), Social Urquhart, J., Acott, T.G., 2013. Re-connecting and embedding food in place: rural de-
Issues in Sustainable Fisheries Management. MARE Publication Series, vol. 9. velopment and inshore fisheries in Cornwall, UK. J. Rural Stud. 32, 357–364. https://
Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands, pp. 279–299. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10. doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2013.09.004.
1007/978-94-007-7911-2_15. Urquhart, J., Acott, T., Reed, M., Courtney, P., 2011. Setting an agenda for social science
Miravent y Soler, J., 1850. Memoria sobre las pescas que se cultivan en las costas de research in fisheries policy in Northern Europe. Fish. Res. 108 (2–3), 240–247.
España, desde el cabo San Vicente hasta el Estrecho de Gibraltar. Imprenta Reyes, https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2010.12.026.
Huelva. Vallega, A., 2003. The coastal cultural heritage facing coastal management. J. Cult. Herit.
Molina García, A., 2013. Diagnóstico Estratégico de la Actividad Pesca-Turismo en 4 (1), 5–24. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S1296-2074(03)00004-9.
España. (Madrid). Vallega, A., 2007. The role of culture in island sustainable development. Ocean Coast
Morales-Nin, B., Grau, A.M., Palmer, M., 2010. Managing coastal zone fisheries: A Manag. 50 (5–6), 279–300. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.
Mediterranean case study. Ocean Coast. Manag. 53 (3), 99–106. https://doi.org/10. 2007.02.003.
1016/j.ocecoaman.2010.01.003. van Ginkel, R., 2001. Inshore fishermen: cultural dimensions of a maritime occupation.
Nadel-Klein, J., 2000. Granny baited the lines: perpetual crisis and the changing role of In: Inshore Fisheries Management. Reviews: Methods and Technologies in Fish
women in scottish fishing communities. Wom. Stud. Int. Forum 23 (3), 363–372. Biology and Fisheries, vol. 2. Springer, Dordrecht, pp. 104–119.
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0277-5395(00)00094-7.

11