Author: Monica Calabrò

The National Research Council – Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM) in Mazara del Vallo and Ancona has recently completed the operational phase of a project carried out in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).

In light of the indications contained in GFCM Recommendation 42/2018/5, which emphasizes the need to identify and develop measures aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of bottom trawling on the juveniles of the main commercial species, the initiative is finalized for the identification and experimentation of innovative technical solutions for the reduction of by-catch and unwanted catches in multi-species trawling in the Strait of Sicily, contributing to the conservation of marine biological resources and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices.

In this context, two experimental studies were conducted in GSA 16 (Southern Sicily) in the spring of 2023 and the summer of 2025. The experimental activities at sea concerned two species of high commercial value, Merluccius merluccius (European hake) and Parapenaeus longirostris (deep-water rose shrimp), both managed under a GFCM multiannual plan and currently considered at risk of overexploitation.

The sea trials were conducted using three different commercial vessels, characterized by the same technical specifications and operating in parallel, during the same period and in the same fishing area. Each unit employed a different net configuration: a standard commercial net, used as a control; a net equipped with a selection grid for the juveniles of the two species; and a net called “T90” characterized by the meshes of a commercial net rotated by 90° compared to the traditional rhomboidal meshes. The three systems were used simultaneously to compare the abundance and composition of the catches between the commercial net and the selective devices.

On board the three vessels, CNR-IRBIM researchers Vincenzo Garozzo, Michele Luca Geraci, Khalil Besbes, Giacomo Sardo, Andrea Petetta, and Giorgio Vianson conducted sampling activities and quantitative and qualitative analysis of the catches, with the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of the different systems in reducing the capture of juvenile specimens and non-target species.

Underwater filming of the selection grids was also carried out in order to evaluate the vitality of the hake and other commercial species, as part of the analysis on the post-capture survival rate.

The project, financed by the European Union, represents a continuation of the regional cooperation initiatives promoted by the GFCM( General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean), aimed at fostering increasingly selective, sustainable, and responsible fishing. More information is available at the following link:
https://www.fao.org/gfcm/news/detail/en/c/1641477/

Researchers from the IRBIM CNR of Mazara del Vallo took an active part in the recent Subregional Committee for the Central Mediterranean (SRC-CM), organized by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). The meeting, held in Palermo in a hybrid format from 8 to 10 April 2025, brought together experts, researchers and policymakers to discuss the main issues related to the sustainable management of fisheries in the Central Mediterranean. It was an important opportunity for technical discussion, updating on the state of fish resources and sharing recommendations aimed at improving fisheries governance in line with GFCM strategies.

During the event, IRBIM CNR researchers provided significant contributions on various topics. In particular, Fabio Falsone presented an update on the state of demersal resources in the Strait of Sicily, while Germana Garofalo illustrated a preliminary study on the effectiveness of Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs) in the region. Matteo Barbato highlighted the ecological importance of Essential Habitats for Fishery Resources in support of management activities, while Michele Luca Geraci presented the results of a selectivity survey conducted as part of an FAO Tender, aimed at reducing unwanted catches in trawling of crustaceans. Two experimental fishing nets, one equipped with sorting grids and another with a T-90 bag, were compared to a commercial net.

The IRBIM CNR team was also involved in other relevant sub-regional technical activities. In the field of spatial management, Valentina Lauria presented a study on the identification of the last hotspots of the critically endangered bamboo coral species Isidella elongata, fundamental for the conservation of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in the Central Mediterranean.

Regarding vulnerable species, Fabio Fiorentino and Sergio Vitale reviewed current management measures to mitigate by-catches of elasmobranchs, offering an updated overview of existing approaches. In addition, Germana Garofalo contributed to the discussion with a presentation on the PROSHARKS project, a PRIN-funded initiative, which addresses the urgent need to fill knowledge gaps and protect threatened coastal shark species living on the edge of extinction in this region.

Sub-regional Committees (SRCs) play a crucial role within the CFCM’s operational framework, offering a technical platform to support sustainable fisheries management at sub-regional level. Their mission is to provide technical advice to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), assess progress in fisheries management through the analysis of national data and existing measures, and propose improvements or alternative strategies based on regional needs. They are also in charge of drafting future work plans and addressing new challenges in line with GFCM’s strategies.

Importantly, the work of these committees — including the implementation of action plans and the identification of sub-regional priorities — is actively supported by the MedSea4Fish project, which ensures a collaborative, science-based approach to the long-term protection of Mediterranean fishery resources.

IRBIM CNR Mazara del Vallo is pleased to announce the next annual meeting of the ICES-FAO Working Group on Fisheries Technology and Fish Behavior (WGFTFB), which will be held in Mazara del Vallo, Italy, from Thursday 15 May to Tuesday 20 May. The working group is an excellent opportunity to discuss all aspects of fisheries technology and fish behaviour, including recent developments at Mediterranean level. Topics to be discussed will include:

• The use of indicators to describe and compare the performance of fishing gear (Indicators);
• Abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG);
• Operational and technical constraints of fishing gear to support coexistence with offshore wind energy and open water aquaculture (Multiple Use).

Thematic sessions will include:

• Collection and standardization of the parameters of mobile fishing gear in contact with the bottom and their fuel consumption;
• Advances in sustainable fishing practices and their impact on marine ecosystems.

Registration for the meeting is open until April 11. For more information about the event and the topics that will be covered, please visit the official website of the meeting: https://wgftfb.org/annual-meeting/meeting-information/ . Abstract submission is now open! Submit your abstract here: https://wgftfb.org/annual-meeting/abstract-submission/ . We look forward to welcoming you to Mazara del Vallo.

On the occasion of the G7 Agriculture and Fisheries, held from 21 to 29 September 2024 in the evocative setting of Syracuse-Ortigia, colleagues from IRBIM Mazara del Vallo attended conferences and round tables with contributions of knowledge and ideas to make Italian fishing in the changing Mediterranean more sustainable and resilient.
The G7 in Syracuse, in line with the work carried out in previous G7 Agriculture ministerial meetings, focused on the resilience and sustainability of agriculture and fisheries through the following thematic priority areas: science and innovation for adaptation to climate change and the contribution of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to food security.
In particular, the research carried out by researchers from IRBIM Mazara del Vallo and related during the G7 focused on current issues such as the management of invasive species such as blue crabgrass and thermophilic species such as worm, the development of recovery plans for threatened resources such as sea urchins, climate change and relationship with biological resources with a focus on the management issues of special fisheries by Fabio Fiorentino; of “Strategies for the evaluation of catches and reduction of the fraction discarded in trawling” and of the “latest assessments on the state of resources in the Strait of Sicily” for the optimization of fishing practices and safeguard biodiversity by Sergio Vitale while Germana Garofalo He spoke of “natural capital and assessment of cumulative impacts”.
These contributions demonstrate how cooperation between scientific research, technological innovation and management policies is essential for a sustainable future of fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean.
The initiatives presented during the G7 in Syracuse represent a tangible example of how science can offer innovative solutions for the management of fish species and the protection of marine habitats, which are essential to face the challenges posed by climate change.

The Mediterranean Sea, characterized by unique biodiversity and a long fishing history, today faces a series of environmental and socio-economic pressures. Climate change is altering the distribution patterns of marine species, with significant impacts on their abundance and availability. Overfishing, coastal pollution and urbanisation of marine areas are additional threats that threaten the health of marine ecosystems and the sustainability of fisheries. Italy, which has one of the oldest fishing traditions in the Mediterranean, is at the heart of these changes, trying to balance the conservation of marine resources with the needs of fishing that is both economical and sustainable. IRBIM researchers have been engaged for years in the assessment of fisheries resources to ensure the long-term resilience of the sector and the sustainability of key species. During the 53rd SIBM congress held at the CNR headquarters in Rome, during the session dedicated to “Environmental Impacts”, Fabio Fiorentino (research manager at IRBIM CNR in Mazara del Vallo) presented a presentation on the topic “Sustainability and resilience of Italian fisheries in the changing Mediterranean”. Given the topic of interest and thanks to the permission of Dr. Fabio Fiorentino, the slides are published at the previous link to make them available to all IRBIM researchers and other interested parties.

On 20, 21 and 22 May, the National Biodiversity Forum, organized by the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), was held. Hosted by the University of Palermo, over 600 researchers from all over Italy discussed sensitive issues such as the restoration of degraded areas, nature conservation, the relationship between nature and well-being and the development of effective tools to prevent biodiversity loss. The ultimate goal of the NBFC is to conserve, restore, monitor and enhance Italian and Mediterranean biodiversity. During the two days, the plenary sessions welcomed the reports of expert Italian researchers on the following topics: The state of biodiversity in Italy, Threats to biodiversity, Invasive and endemic species, Biodiversity Restoration, Innovative technologies for biodiversity monitoring. This was followed by 5-minute presentations of a selection of posters. In addition, round tables were held in parallel sessions on Biodiversity Enhancement: Bioprospecting for Human Health and Biodiversity for Productive Activities; Research and innovation in biodiversity in NBFC; and technical tables on: Conservation, Citizen Citizen Science and Biodiversity Expert. In the final phase, prizes were awarded as “career recognition” for renowned scientists, the 15 best posters were awarded and awards were given also to 8 Spokes leaders including IRBIM Director Gian Marco Luna, leader of Spoke 2 together with his colleague Prof. Maria Chiara Chiantore. Also present at the event were the president of the CNR Maria Chiara Carrozza, IRBIM heads Luca Bolognini and Sergio Vitale and several IRBIM researchers from Mazara Del Vallo, Ancona and Messina. During the days, the Italian scientific community shared the most significant results of the latest research on the theme of biodiversity and in front of the more than 300 posters, rich exchanges of experiences and possible collaborations were held. Finally, on May 22nd, recognized worldwide as the “International Day for Biological Diversity“, the Biodiversity Gateway was presented, a gateway of access and connection dedicated to supporting the design of concrete international scientific and technological collaborations concerning the Mediterranean. Among the promoters of the Gateway – NBFC, in addition to the University of Palermo and Arpa, the CNR plays a fundamental role as coordinator of the project. You can watch the event on the NBFC channel and find the detailed program, information material and posters presented on the NBFC page dedicated to the National Biodiversity Forum 2024.