A scientific project launched by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) in direct collaboration with fishermen of the region has evaluated the state of fishery resources and ecological quality of the Garraf and Plana de Foix Marine Area. The species were found to be in good biological and health conditions, with low levels of contaminants and in an overall healthy state. The research has given way to the creation of a Strategic Plan for Sustainable Fisheries.
The Garraf At Sea project, promoted by the research group on the Health of Ecosystems and Aquatic Animals (SEAaq) of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), has evaluated the state of fishing resources and the ecological quality of the Garraf and Plana de Foix Marine Area, the area including the coastal strip in front of the Garraf, the continental shelf area, and underwater canyons.
The project has analysed marine habitats, species of fishing interest, and the health of the organisms, including factors such as parasites, injuries and pollutants. Despite the widespread presence of microplastics in the marine environment - a global challenge - the indicators show that the fishery resources in the area are in good condition. The results of the project are therefore encouraging: the species analysed present good biological and sanitary conditions, with low levels of pollutants and an overall healthy state.
For the research team, these conclusions reinforce the idea that, with appropriate management based on scientific knowledge and the experience of the sector, it is possible to preserve marine ecosystems and, at the same time, maintain a viable fishing activity. The project has been the result of direct collaboration with fishermen in the region. It is a co-management model between fishermen and researchers that allows the two sectors to work together, integrating data and practical knowledge to define effective and realistic strategies, and committed to sustainability and local consumption.
For Anna Soler Membrives, researcher at the Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology at the UAB and coordinator of the project, "collaboration between science and the fishing sector is consolidated as the alternative to protect the sea, the primary sector and the Mediterranean diet", and emphasises that "without local fishing there is no sustainable future".
"Local fishing on the Catalan coast faces great challenges, but it also opens up a path of hope: co-management between the scientific sector and the fishing sector as a model to guarantee its future", explains the UAB researcher. Furthermore, "initiatives such as the Garraf At Sea project demonstrate that sustainable fishing is not only possible but is already a reality in the making".
Towards a sustainable future with the Strategic Plan for Sustainable Fisheries
The results of the project will serve as a basis for the development of the Strategic Plan for Sustainable Fisheries (PEPS) of Garraf. This plan will include specific recommendations to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the continuity of the sector. In this sense, the work carried out has allowed for a deeper understanding of the marine habitats of the area, identifying coastal habitats of fishing interest and areas with high ecological diversity, as well as key areas in deeper waters, such as breeding grounds and points of waste accumulation. At the same time, the analysis of fishing activity has highlighted the selective nature of certain fisheries, such as shrimp, with very low levels of discards.
Based on this shared knowledge, and within the framework of co-management with the sector, recommendations have been agreed to strengthen the selectivity of fishing practices, avoid areas of high ecological value, reduce discards and, at the same time, maximise the quality of the fish product. This model is committed to responsible fishing, adapted to the reality of the region, and based on scientific evidence, with the active participation of marine professionals.
Consuming local fish is a commitment to the future of the sea
In a context marked by global overfishing and the pressures of changing regulations by the European Union, the local fishing sector finds itself in a delicate situation. However, its survival is key not only from an economic point of view, but also from a social, cultural and food point of view.
According to Sara Dallarés, professor at the Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology at the UAB, researcher on the project, "committing to local fishing and consuming local products is a strategic decision to move towards a sustainable production and consumption model. The disappearance of local fishing would imply an increasing dependence on imports and deep-frozen products, often with less demanding environmental and social standards. In addition, the Mediterranean diet, recognised for its health benefits, especially the consumption of fish rich in omega-3, would be put at risk."
A model that needs preserving
Catalan local fisheries are small, but also resilient and have great potential for sustainability. The research team highlights that with the right support and innovative models such as co-management, they can continue to be one of the country's fundamental pillars.
"The future lies in strengthening this alliance between science and the fishing sector, supporting primary producers and promoting responsible consumption. Only in this way will it be possible to guarantee that the sea continues to be a source of life, food and opportunities for future generations", concludes Anna Soler.
Funding
This project is currently being developed in collaboration with the Biodiversity Foundation of the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, through the Pleamar Programme, and is co-financed by the European Union through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (FEMPA).
Video with information on the project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUtRlDcYIOg
SEAaq research group website:
GARRAF AT SEA project within the Pleamar Programme: https://fundacion-biodiversidad.es/en/programa_pleamar/garraf-at-sea-evaluation-of-the-state-of-health-of-the-fishery-resources-and-ecological-characterization-of-the-marine-space-of-the-garraf-and-plana-del-foix-coasts-for-the-creation-of-the-strategic/
