The Torre Guaceto MPA consortium received EMFF funding for four different projects: to survey fishing activity in the area; to expand the MPA, with support from three fisheries Local Action Groups (LAGs); to monitor catches of protected species; and to increase fishers’ and local communities’ awareness of MPAs and the sustainable use of marine resources.
Located on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy, this MPA protects one of the richest areas of the Mediterranean in terms of numbers of species. For the first five years all types of fishing were forbidden, to allow fish stocks to regenerate. After that, the consortium worked with a technical team, local fishers, and research institutes to define common rules for fishing in the reserve, such as the types of fishing gear allowed and the frequency of fishing. Fishers are also regularly involved in ecosystem services and weekly monitoring, making it possible to manage the reserve in ways that respond rapidly to changes in fish stocks.
- Project locations
- Italy
- Overall budget
- €499 986
- EU contribution
- €249 99350% of the overall budget
- Project website
- Riserva di Torre Guaceto
Results
Fishers have reinforced their awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment; they recently accepted both a one-month voluntary closure and a proposal to substantially expand the protected area.
Some fish populations have increased fourfold, and the total fishing yield in the protected area is twice as high as outside.
Contact
Francesco de Franco
- Name
- Francesco de Franco
- Organisation
- Consorzio di Gestione di Torre Guaceto
- segreteria
riservaditorreguaceto [dot] it - Phone number
- +39 0831990882
Alto Salento 2020 multifund LAG
- Name
- Alto Salento 2020 multifund LAG
- gianfrancociolagmail [dot] com
Itria Valley multifund LAG
- Name
- Itria Valley multifund LAG
- direzionegalvalleditria [dot] it
Trulli and Barsento multifund LAG
- Name
- Trulli and Barsento multifund LAG
- r [dot] santorogaltrulli-barsento [dot] it
- Phone number
- +39 080 4322767