Gorgonians are a type of sea coral that grows in a bush-like form. They face threats from certain fishing gear that damages them, yet scientists have demonstrated that these organisms can be restored to their natural habitats. In the past five years, around 4,000 gorgonian specimens have been replanted along the Catalan coastline.
This summer, mitigation (MITICAP) and restoration (RESCAP) projects led by the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) in Cap de Creus (Girona) returned more than 1,200 gorgonians caught in fishing nets to the sea. The work also involved adapting local artisanal fishing tools to minimize impact on benthic communities and supports a move away from gear that harms seabed habitats.
Over the five years these initiatives ran, ICM-CSIC researchers transplanted more than 4,000 gorgonians across nearly two hectares of seabed. Restoration and mitigation actions also took place at the Es Freus marine reserve in Ibiza and Formentera, at depths from 30 to 90 meters, within Cap de Creus Nature Park and the Natura 2000 network areas in the Gulf of Leon canyons and the SCI region.
Underwater robotics confirmed that the transplanted gorgonians exhibit survival rates above 90 percent, with reproduction rates close to those of undisturbed colonies, indicating rapid adaptation after relocation.
the role of fishermen
Along with moving gorgonians back to the sea, science teams carried out numerous community events over the five years. About 200 days were devoted to testing modified fishing gear in collaboration with fishermen. The most successful modification was enlarging the net size of artisanal trammel nets used for lobster fishing, an adjustment proven effective by fishermen from the Formentera, Port de la Selva, and Cadaqués fraternities.
Moreover, as in prior years, lost gear was recovered with help from volunteers and fishermen involved in MITICAP. These actions target the reduction of ghost fishing and aim to raise awareness about marine protection across the fishing sector and society at large. Through these activities, 700 kg of marine litter was collected this year, including 21 flower pots, 1 trammel net, and 1 lost longline.
Stefano Ambroso, head of RESCAP, notes that more than 4,000 gorgonians have successfully rejoined the sea thanks to close cooperation with artisanal fishermen from Port de la Selva, Cadaqués, and Formentera fraternities. He adds that participation by fishermen has continued to grow and that accumulated experience has led to improved and adapted methodologies over the years.
Patricia Baena, technical director of MITICAP, emphasizes that five years of work fostered a valuable partnership built on trust between scientists and fishermen. She believes this collaboration will sustain long-term ecosystem protection and support ongoing ecological stewardship.
The importance of awareness
MITICAP and RESCAP were developed under the Pleamar Programme, funded by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) in partnership with the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge. The goal has been to raise public awareness about marine ecosystem protection and sustainable fishing. In addition to hands-on workshops, talks reached audiences of more than a thousand people.
Efforts have also targeted the fishing sector, promoting the idea that effective, less invasive methods exist. This shift in approach has been observed in many fishermen, reinforcing the case for continued collaboration between the fishing industry and research institutions for effective information sharing and knowledge transfer. This cooperation has helped foster greater interest and commitment to protecting the marine environment.
Though the two projects have concluded, the Institute of Marine Sciences aims to continue the work in Cap de Creus and Formentera and to export the successful model to other autonomous communities. Mitigation and restoration measures remain essential in today’s context, where achieving zero fishing impact is nearly impossible according to experts.
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