Spanish fishing in the minor presidios of North Africa (Melilla, Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera and Peñón de Alhucemas) in the 18th century

Abstract

Using bibliographical and archive sources, the essay reconstructs the fishing activity that developed during the 18th century in the Spanish garrisons of North Africa, not so much in the major ones, such as Ceuta and Oran, for which an extensive bibliography exists, but rather in the minor ones of Melilla, Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera and Peñón de Alhucemas. In these latter headmasters, fishing has not been adequately studied, as there is no specific bibliography. This contribution therefore seeks to fill a historiographical gap, emphasising the role of the Crown of Spain in promoting fishing activity even in the small garrisons basically to contribute more effectively to feeding both the civilian and military population of these circumscribed areas.