Tourism and sustainability: a social network analysis and stock analysis of (shell)fish in Andalusia, Spain

Abstract

International tourism has been growing on a world scale. Resource demands of tourism can have severe impacts on local communities and their surrounding environment. In Andalusia in Spain, tourism has grown tremendously over the last years and this region is important to the European (shell)fish industry. Tourism may have its impact on local social networks and fish resources. Social networks of the fish industry are not coupled to tourism before

This research uses both a social network analysis and fish stock analysis to identify possible correlations between tourism and social networks in the fish industry, as well as on the fish stocks of sardine, anchovy and prawn. It uses a survey methodology and statistical analysis.

This study revealed that tourism has been growing in Andalusia, however no significant effects of tourism on social networks nor (shell)fish stocks have been found. Tourism alone may not be the main driver for social network change and local fish stocks. As this study is a pioneer in its field, additional research is needed to explain the results.