Title:
PROMoting Elasmobranchs conservation THrough by-catch reduction, Ecotourism and alternative sUStainable fisheries (PROMETHEUS)
Duration:
5 years (October 2024 – September 2029)
Funded by:
LIFE Programme – Nature and Biodiversity (European Commission)
Project partners:
Università Politecnica delle Marche (coordinators)
Marine and Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd
Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
CESTHA – Centro Sperimentale per la Tutela degli Habitat APS
Comune di Favignana
Comune di Lampedusa e Linosa
Comune di Santa Teresa Gallura
Federazione Nazionale delle Imprese di Pesca
Fondazione Coispa ETS
iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems
Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA)
Net European Consulting SRLS
Société Coopérative Maritime des Pêcheurs de Sète Môle
Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
Università degli Studi di Padova
Universitat de les Illes Balears
University of Bologna
University of Genoa
University of Palermo
University of Patras
World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) – Italia
Project Description:
Since the late 20th century, Mediterranean elasmobranch populations, including sharks and rays, have faced significant threats from human activities. Intensive fishing practices have led to severe declines in elasmobranch numbers due to both targeted fishing and incidental by-catch. LIFE-PROMETHEUS (LIFE23-NAT-IT-LIFE-PROMETHEUS/101148295) aims to enhance the conservation of these species through a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that combines various innovative strategies.
The project seeks to install electro-magnetic deterrents alongside professional and recreational fishing gears to minimize the incidental capture of target species and modify fishing practices to decrease the impact on vulnerable elasmobranch populations. Additionally, it encourages the adoption of alternative sustainable practices including the exploitation of invasive alien species (IAS), while implementing sustainable tourism practices to protect elasmobranch habitats and promote environmental awareness among stakeholders.
LIFE-PROMETHEUS will conduct extensive research and monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of these conservation measures, provide concrete data to inform policy and conservation strategies, and promote public awareness of the importance of protecting these vital marine species through specialized educational programs and activities.
The main activities of the project will be implemented across five countries (Italy, Spain, France, Cyprus, and Greece) and in twelve critical areas within the Mediterranean, focusing on habitats essential for various life stages of these species.
MER plays a pivotal role by co-leading a work package dedicated to developing alternative sustainable practices for elasmobranch conservation. Additionally, MER contributes significantly to several other areas of the project, including:
- Innovative fishing practices: Spearheading the sustainable fishery of invasive species through specialized traps for blue crab and lionfish, and promoting these species in the market through culinary events.
- Habitat conservation and mapping: Mapping and modeling to identify essential habitats for conservation purposes and conducting multi-criteria decision analysis to support decision-making processes.
- Community and stakeholder engagement: Involving, educating, and training fishers, applying deterrent technologies to reduce bycatch, supporting fishers in fundraising efforts, and promoting responsible dive tourism activities at elasmobranch aggregation sites.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Developing and promoting a shark-free eco-label, and monitoring elasmobranch populations and the impact of conservation activities using innovative and standardized tools like eDNA analysis and Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs).
- Knowledge exchange and policy influence: Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices across the Mediterranean, synthesizing developments for conservation action, and influencing policy through the dissemination of scientific data.
By enhancing regional cooperation and fostering sustainable economic opportunities, LIFE-PROMETHEUS supports the broader goals of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. This project is expected to become a benchmark for elasmobranch conservation and fishery sustainability in the Mediterranean, enhancing regional capacities to manage and protect critical marine ecosystems effectively.
