Sea Turtles Have a New Ally: The LIFE OASIS Project

Ghost fishing and abandoned fishing gear, a silent threat to the fishing industry, are being addressed by a European Union co-financed initiative aimed at transforming the Mediterranean into a model of sustainability and collaboration.

The Mediterranean, a crucial hub for biodiversity and maritime activity, faces a significant challenge: each year, a considerable number of sea turtles become trapped in lost or abandoned fishing gear (APPA). However, this is not their only risk factor. As a shared sea among multiple countries with diverse fishing fleets, protecting its ecosystem requires coordinated action and shared responsibility.

This situation impacts not only biodiversity but also the sustainability of fisheries and maritime safety. In response, LIFE OASIS has emerged as a pioneering project that combines technology, research, and direct collaboration with the fishing and maritime sectors at an international level.

Co-financed by the European Union through the LIFE and Natura 2000 programs, LIFE OASIS is led by ALNITAK in collaboration with a strong international consortium. This includes prestigious scientific institutions such as the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB), the University of Valencia, the University of Pisa, and the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn. The fishing industry also plays a central role, with support from CEPESCA, the largest fishing confederation in Europe, alongside technology companies like SATLINK and conservation organizations such as Filicudi Wildlife Conservation and Nature Trust Malta.

The objective is clear: to prevent gear loss, improve fishing sustainability, and protect marine biodiversity through innovative solutions, such as developing a smart fishing model using more technologically advanced, efficient, and sustainable anchored fish aggregation devices (aFADs).

One of the key components of LIFE OASIS is promoting a collaborative network involving fishers, sailors, and marine wildlife recovery centers across the Mediterranean. This network, already in operation, facilitates the rescue of sea turtles trapped in APPA, optimizing conservation efforts at sea.

Additionally, reports provided by fishers and sailors on the location of marine debris will enable LIFE OASIS to develop detailed maps identifying critical accumulation points of APPA. These maps will serve as a crucial tool in preventing ghost fishing and mitigating its long-term impacts.

The LIFE OASIS team will also receive support from authorities, ports, and patrol boats from the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard (SEMAR) and Maritime Rescue (SASEMAR), as well as participation in awareness campaigns and preventive actions.

In an effort to revolutionize sustainable fishing, the LIFE OASIS project has partnered with fishers from the Balearic Islands, Malta, and Sicily to develop a replicable fishing model based on anchored fish aggregating devices (aFADs). This approach not only reduces the loss of fishing gear and minimizes bycatch using cutting-edge technology but also maximizes efficiency through the use of biodegradable materials. The result: an effective solution that combats ghost fishing while reinforcing the sustainability of the sector, ensuring a viable future for coastal communities that depend on this activity.

Spain brings valuable experience to the project, having pioneered sustainable tropical tuna fishing through fish aggregating devices, thanks to collaboration between the fishing industry and technology companies such as SATLINK.

Although focused on the Mediterranean, the impact of LIFE OASIS is designed to transcend borders. Its ultimate goal is to replicate the sustainable fishing model in North Africa and other regions facing food insecurity.

"Teaching people to fish sustainably and sharing our knowledge with communities on the brink of famine, offering them alternatives to illegal fishing, is a source of pride for us," emphasize the project leaders.

LIFE OASIS aims not only to protect marine biodiversity but also to strengthen the fishing industry’s competitiveness by promoting responsible and sustainable practices. "This project is a demonstration that collaboration between fishers, scientists, authorities, and organizations can generate real solutions to the most pressing challenges in the sector," stated Ricardo Sagarminaga from Alnitak.