A method to assess social sustainability of capture fisheries: An application to a Norwegian trawler

Journal Article · Wed Jul 15 04:00:00 EDT 2015 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EIAR.2015.04.002· OSTI ID:22479741

Veldhuizen, L. J.L., ^[1]; Berentsen, P. B.M. ^[2]; Bokkers, E. A.M.; Boer, I. J.M. de ^[1]

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1. Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen (Netherlands)
2. Business Economics group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8130, 6700 EW Wageningen (Netherlands)

Social sustainability assessment of capture fisheries is, both in terms of method development and measurement, not well developed. The objective of this study, therefore, was to develop a method consisting of indicators and rubrics (i.e. categories that articulate levels of performance) to assess social sustainability of capture fisheries. This method was applied to a Norwegian trawler that targets cod and haddock in the northeast Atlantic. Based on previous research, 13 social sustainability issues were selected. To measure the state of these issues, 17 process and outcome indicators were determined. To interpret indicator values, rubrics were developed for each indicator, using standards set by international conventions or data retrieved from national statistics, industry agreements or scientific publications that explore rubric scales. The indicators and rubrics were subsequently used in a social sustainability assessment of a Norwegian trawler. This assessment indicated that overall, social sustainability of this trawler is relatively high, with high rubric scores, for example, for worker safety, provisions aboard for the crew and companies' salary levels. The assessment also indicated that the trawler could improve on healthy working environment, product freshness and fish welfare during capture. This application demonstrated that our method provides insight into social sustainability at the level of the vessel and can be used to identify potential room for improvement. This method is also promising for social sustainability assessment of other capture fisheries. - Highlights: • A method was developed for social sustainability assessment of capture fisheries. • This method entailed determining outcome and process indicators for important issues. • To interpret indicator values, a rubric was developed for each indicator. • Use of this method gives insight into social sustainability and improvement options. • This method is promising for social sustainability assessment of capture fisheries.

• OSTI ID: 22479741
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Vol. 53; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT