RECOGNIZING THE VALUE OF BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH TOWARD A MORE SUSTAINABLE FISHERY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN: INSIGHTS FROM SPOKE 2 - ACTIVITY 1.1

RICONOSCERE IL VALORE DELLA BIODIVERSITÀ E DELLA SALUTE DEGLI ECOSISTEMI MARINI IN MEDITERRANEO: ESPERIENZE DALLO SPOKE 2 – ATTIVITA’ 1.1

Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea, despite being one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth, is currently experiencing severe anthropogenic pressures that compromise ecosystem resilience and productivity. Within the framework of the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), SPOKE 2 – Activity 1.1 addressed multiple drivers of biodiversity loss from September 2022 up to today, including fishing impacts, non-indigenous species (NIS), marine litter, recreational fisheries, vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs), and pelagic biodiversity hotspots. Innovative approaches were tested, ranging from selective fishing devices and AI-based pingers to satellite monitoring of illegal fishing and citizen science programs. Results highlight the value of integrating ecological knowledge with technological innovation and stakeholder participation to promote sustainable fisheries and safeguard Mediterranean biodiversity.