LIFE OASIS: Mitigating the interactions of protected species with marine litter and pelagic fisheries of the Mediterranean

The LIFE OASIS Project addresses the challenge of managing marine litter and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in the Mediterranean Sea, and consequently, ghost fishing. One of the main objectives of the project is to mitigate this threat to the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Until 2029, the project will involve a wide range of partners to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to protect marine biodiversity and promote responsible fishing practices. Collaboration with artisanal fishers, skippers, and sailors will be encouraged as sea guardians for activities such as the recovery of sea turtles and the reporting and retrieval of ALDFG.

Acronym

LIFE-OASIS

Description

The LIFE OASIS project aims to reduce the mortality of loggerhead turtles, particularly sub-adults, by addressing the risks posed by ALDFG (Abandoned, Lost, or Discarded Fishing Gear). The project focuses on engaging a large group of "citizen scientists" such as yacht and fishing vessel crews who frequently encounter entangled turtles and ALDFG. The project’s main approach is to build scientific evidence on the risks of ALDFG and develop effective risk mitigation strategies.

MALTA MEETING

Key objectives include:

Engaging relevant stakeholders (e.g., port authorities, rescue centers, fishing and yachting associations) in reporting and retrieving ALDFG.
Designing and testing sustainable, anchored FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) that minimize the risk of turtle entanglement.
Developing "smart" FADs with tracking systems to monitor oceanographic variables and improve fishing practices.
Creating a business plan for aFAD deployment and management, and piloting this plan at four sites.
Promoting innovation and increasing fisher involvement in marine conservation.
Mapping ALDFG trends and enhancing sea turtle rescue efforts.
Standardizing data collection and sharing best practices through manuals and tutorials.

The project also seeks to expand these initiatives beyond the Mediterranean to other regions, fostering collaboration and scaling up conservation efforts.

In addition to the University of Valencia, the project consortium is composed by the leader partner ALNITAK and CSIC ICM, CSIC IMEDEA, University of Valencia, SATLINK, CEPESCA, University of Pisa, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Filicudi Wildlife Conservation, Nature Trust Malta.