Improving seafood systems with social network analysis : The case of cuttlefish marketing in Catalonia
Gómez Mestres, Sílvia (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Antropologia Social i Cultural)
Patraca Dibildox, Beatriz (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Antropologia Social i Cultural)
Molina, José Luis (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Antropologia Social i Cultural)

Date:	2023
Abstract:	Innovation in seafood marketing has multiplied, resulting in a constellation of emerging marketing initiatives from the fishing sector and seafood distributors to cope with resources scarcity, uncertainty, and climate change. Wholesalers, and retailers drawn on Social Network Sites (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Twitter, Youtube, TikTok) to disseminate the values associated with fish products. This study analyses the distribution network channels of the cuttlefish market in Catalonia (Spain) and the social media users. The methodology combines social network analysis, digital ethnography, and qualitative analysis based on structured, semi-structured, indepth interviews and images. Results suggest the existence of a paradox between the values of seafood products associated with "proximity," "local," and "seasonal products" cohabiting with market values adapted to the contemporary lifestyle of "convenience" and accessibility. The spread of gastronomic culture has popularised the demand for cuttlefish, increasing market diversification and growing competition between the buying and selling network actors. While distributors can obtain resources from different sources, fishers must cope with the limitations of natural resources. We conclude that management plans should consider the integration of fishers in marketing channels and media discourses to improve the marketing of seafood products in pursuit of sustainability.
Note:	Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB
Note:	Article number 105517 The EU (European Maritime and Fisheries Fund) and Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda Department of the Catalan Government provided funding for this research through the project "Advice to the CoManagement Committee of the cuttlefish of the bays of Roses and Pals for the implementation of a socio-economic program" under the grant agreement ARP163/21/000023. We acknowledge all fishers and seafood distributors that kindly participated in the project as well as we express our appreciation to all persons who shared with us their valuable knowledge by collaborating. We would also like to thank Eva Visauta, from the public administration and secretary of the cuttlefish comanagement committee, who is always available to help and provide information.
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Cuttlefish marketing ; Social networks analysis ; Social media analysis ; Seafood consumption ; Sustainability ; Digital ethnography
Published in:	Marine Policy, Vol. 150 (2023 April) , ISSN 0308-597X

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2023.105517

11 p, 2.4 MB

The record appears in these collections:
Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Social and Legal Sciences > Research Group on Fundamental and Oriented Anthropology (GRAFO)
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles