Activity category: Vulnerable species
Year: 2024
Type: Advocacy, Awareness raising, Scientific research
Status: Ongoing
Target areas: Greece, Mediterranean
Target organisms: Sharks, Rays
Project website: https://www.life-prometheus.eu/project/
Partners
Funders
Activity category: Vulnerable species
Year: 2024
Type: Advocacy, Awareness raising, Scientific research
Status: Ongoing
Target areas: Greece, Mediterranean
Target organisms: Sharks, Rays
Project website: https://www.life-prometheus.eu/project/
Partners
Funders
Objectives
LIFE-PROMETHEUS (PROMoting Elasmobranchs conservation THrough by-catch reduction, sustainable tourism, and alternative fisheries) is dedicated to marine biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Sea. The project focuses on reducing bycatch, promoting sustainable fisheries, and supporting eco-friendly tourism to protect sharks, rays, and other elasmobranch species. A key innovation is the use of electromagnetic deterrents to prevent the accidental capture of these species, while encouraging fishers to target Invasive Alien Species (IAS) such as lionfish and blue crabs to alleviate pressure on endangered marine populations.
Additionally, the project fosters sustainable tourism initiatives in elasmobranch aggregation areas, ensuring responsible ecotourism that generates alternative economic opportunities while conserving marine habitats. LIFE-PROMETHEUS aims to establish long-term, science-driven solutions for sustainable marine resource management through cross-border collaboration among Italy, Spain, France, Cyprus, and Greece.
P: PROMoting elasmobranchs conservation
R: Reduction of bycatch
O: Offering alternative fishing practices
M: Marine ecotourism development
E: Ecotourism as a sustainability tool
T: Technologies for bycatch reduction
H: Habitats essential for marine biodiversity
E: Engaging and educating the public
U: Using marine resources sustainably
S: Supporting responsible fishing practices
Description
LIFE PROMETHEUS implements bycatch reduction strategies by testing electromagnetic deterrents in twelve key biodiversity hotspots across the Mediterranean. The project also maps Essential Fish Habitats (EFH) for critically endangered sharks and rays, working with marine protected areas (MPAs) to enhance conservation policies and expand protected zones.
A major milestone includes the promotion of IAS fisheries, equipping fishers with training and specialized tools to shift toward sustainable harvesting of invasive species, such as lionfish and blue crabs. The project also supports sustainable diving tourism, establishing a Code of Conduct for responsible shark and ray watching, while promoting eco-labels and sustainable seafood awareness campaigns to engage consumers and businesses in marine conservation.