Santander Bay: Multiuse and multiuser socioecological space

The Bay of Santander, one of the most important and largest estuaries along the North coast of Spain (Gulf of Biscay), houses one of the most ancient ports in this coastal area, whose origin dates back to Roman times (Portus Victoriae). Since that time, the bay, the city and the port of Santander have evolved together over time, adapting the goods and services available to different uses and users. The bay has been traditionally used as a natural harbour that has integrated its fishing, commercial and recreational activities with important nature values of this estuarine area, including, among others, a European Special Area for Conservation (SAC) (EU Natura 2000 Network), traditional shellfish harvesting areas and a touristic hot spot in northern Spain (beaches, water sports, marinas, etc.). In this paper, a Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats analysis (SWOT) is carried out on the current and future perspectives of the socio-ecological space of the Bay of Santander, based on a review of current and past knowledge of its natural and socioeconomic systems. [Display omitted] •Santander Bay as a unique socioecological laboratory of multiple users and uses.•Review of the historical port-city relationship between the port and the bay of Santander.•Comprehensive description of the singular natural elements and the socioeconomic values at Santander Bay.•Analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Santander Bay addressing future management approaches.