Title: Sustainable European fishery and the Friend of the Sea scheme: tools to achieve sustainable development in the fishery sector

Authors: Antonino Galati; Lluís Miret Pastor; Maria Crescimanno; Rosa Giaimo; Marcella Giacomarra

Addresses: Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Building 4, 90128, Palermo, Italy ' Research Institute for Integrated Coastal Management (IGIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, 46022 València, Valencia, Spain ' Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Building 4, 90128, Palermo, Italy ' Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Building 4, 90128, Palermo, Italy ' Department of Economic, Business and Statistical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Building 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy; Istituto Euro-Mediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia, via E. Amari 123, 90139, Palermo, Italy

Abstract: This paper investigates the role of the Friend of the Sea (FOS) scheme as a market tool for sustainable competitive advantage. To capture this effect, we apply a theoretical framework based on the stakeholder theory (SHT) and the natural-resource-based view (NRBV) to two case studies each in Italy and Spain. Our model allows us to explain the main factors determining an effective and competitive sustainable business model in the fishery sector. The results confirm the relevant influence of market forces in acquiring FOS certification and the role of the same as a counterpart to state authority.

Keywords: stakeholder theory; Friend of the Sea; FOS certification; natural RBV; resource-based view; NRBV; Europe; sustainable fisheries; sustainable development; sustainability; business models; market forces.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2015.072695

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2015 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.247 - 265

Received: 25 Feb 2015
Accepted: 04 Sep 2015
Published online: 24 Oct 2015 *

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