Fishermen Save Corals from Dying Seas

Fishermen along Spain's Costa Brava are actively participating in a vital conservation project to protect endangered coral and sponge species. Since 2022, this initiative has seen marine biologists and local fishermen working together to rescue marine life damaged by rising sea temperatures, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. Many of these delicate seafloor dwellers are now critically endangered.

The scheme, partly funded by the European Union and the Spanish government with a budget of €3.6 million, encourages fishermen to preserve corals found in their nets. These specimens are then assessed by scientists, with viable corals returned to protected 'no take' zones. This collaborative approach highlights the crucial role of local communities in marine conservation efforts.

This project, with ongoing developments planned for other Mediterranean areas like the Balearic Islands and Sicily, offers a hopeful model for preserving marine ecosystems globally. The partnership between scientists and fishermen demonstrates that collective action can lead to significant achievements in safeguarding marine biodiversity for future generations.