Sustainable European fishery and the Friend of the Sea scheme: tools to achieve sustainabledevelopment in the fishery sector

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 Italyand Spain. Our model allows us to explain the main factors determining aneffective and competitive sustainable business model in the fishery sector. The results confirm the relevant influence of market forces in acquiring FOScertification and the role of the same as a counterpart to state authority.