RightFish is developing generic methodologies to improve our ability to design and build low-impact towed fishing gears. The project advances the state-of-the-art in commercial fishing gear design by establishing criteria for small-scale modeling that incorporate the contact forces associated with towed fishing gear on the seabed. These approaches are tested in two case studies representative of European bottom trawling, demonstrating the environmental and economic benefits that can be achieved. These gears are more fuel-efficient, reduce disturbance of carbon-rich sediments, and minimize penetration into the seabed. Consequently, these gears ensure the sustainable management and harvesting of marine resources, preserving the integrity and resilience of the ecosystem while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, these gears offer reduced fuel costs and can lead to increased fishing opportunities, improved market access and higher prices. Therefore, contributing to the sustainable production of blue bioeconomy. These gears enable the development of standards and processes that are transparent, certifiable and traceable, and may be used to gain customer’s trust and increase market opportunities. The consortium includes industrial and academic experts in the design and development of commercial trawling gears, the evaluation of fishing gear technical and catch processes, and the environmental and socio-economic performance of fisheries.
ITACA addresses the competitiveness of the fisheries sector in the Adriatic by fostering blue innovation and improving the sustainability of fisheries.
CNR IRBIM partner with SZN, the University of Naples Federico II, the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, the University of Sannio, the University of Suor Orsola Benincasa, the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, ENEA and INGV to carry out maritime spatial planning for the Campania Region.
The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.