Acoustic telemetry to study the movement of fish, citizen science, common protocols of work and collaboration with managers and fishermen are some of the essential elements in
The initiative is coordinated by the lecturer
Overfishing, pollution, invasive species, climate change and the impact of human activities are factors that threaten marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean. In order to improve the management of the preservation of habitats and marine species, it is crucial to know about the features of each ecosystem.
The marine coasts of the Pyrenees are a large area that covers a part of the biodiversity of the north-western Mediterranean, with several habitats frequented by emblematic species and ecosystem services with a great economic value (fishing, tourism, leisure, etc.). However, current management arrangements do not consider this marine region as an ecological unit where species move and use different habitats over their life cycle. 'The
Using combined techniques of acoustic telemetry, visual and video censuses, and with the support of citizen science, the project will provide new knowledge about the ecology of several species of heritage and commercial interest, essential habitats throughout their life cycle (feeding, reproduction and breeding), their ability to move (distances, used habitats and periods), and the connectivity of populations between different marine protected areas.
The project counts on the participation of the
Participatory science to protect marine ecosystems
The
At the same time, artisanal fishermen are also collaborating. They have installed acoustic receptors in their fishing gear to detect the marked fish outside the covered area by the fixed receptor network. The work is completed with the marking of 103 fish of various species (sea bream, European sea bass, black sea bass, red head, dentex, white seabream, bluefish), which allows them to report their movement in the network of acoustic receptors.
'This project wants to give importance to participatory science. Professional or recreational fishermen can intervene as volunteer staff to catch fish that will be released later with the implanted acoustic transmitter', highlights
'Interaction with fishermen and federations -he continues- has allowed us to open a debate and an exchange of ideas on the problems and potential measures to improve the sustainable use of resources. For example, during this period we are collaborating to determine the breeding areas of the sea bream and sea bass, species that are now undergoing their breeding season'.
Volunteering divers can also join the participatory science in the
Protecting marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean
Among other actions,
'There is no doubt that more efficient management tools will allow an improvement in the use of resources, as well as in the uses and the several ecosystem services provided by this marine region of the Mediterranean coast', concludes
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