France

Abstract

Defining and quantifying inshore fisheries in France is a complicated task. Various forms of classification have been developed to distinguish particular categories within the fishing fleet for administrative purposes but rarely can these be combined to create a clear, precise picture of the sector. Some forms of administrative classification are enshrined in legislation while others refer to common practice, but most are based on simple criteria such as vessel length, registered tonnage or the normal duration of the fishing trip. Other more complex classifications are to be found in academic studies dealing with the economic organisation of the fishing unit or the collective organisation of the fishermen. But unlike the distinction between artisanal and industrial forms of organisation, the separation between inshore and offshore fisheries is much more a matter of the use of space than any particular technical or socio-economic characteristics. For this reason it may be more practicable to examine the legal definitions of coastal waters in order to find a basis for identifying inshore fisheries. In summary, inshore fisheries can be defined as comprising family based, artisanal units with a limited range of operation measured in both time and space, fishing relatively close to the shore.