“We fishermen spend almost our entire lives sailing the sea, with many sacrifices but also with satisfaction. One of these is the ability to contribute to Invasive species control during Exotic fish project», says Michele Tedesco, a fisherman from Taranto. “The data we have Sea inhabitants We collect and our experience is of great value for research and Our contribution can make a difference», adds my Calabrian colleague Antonino Martino, from Gioiosa Marina. “I have been collaborating for more than five years and I am happy to be able to contribute to scientific research and the protection of our sea. It has reported many exotic and rare species to researchers “And I still do it,” testifies Alfonso Baron, a fisherman from Marzamimi (Syracuse).

Hunters to search

These are three examples of the relationship between science and citizens, in this case fishermen, in the context of the protection and conservation of the marine ecosystem conducted and coordinated by Francesco Tarralongo, Professor of Zoology at the University of Catania. The work was carried out in collaboration with researchers from the Laboratory of Marine Animal Biology of the Mediterranean at the University of Etna and with fishermen from different regions of Italy.

Sharks in the Mediterranean Sea

There are more than 500 species of sharks, some of which live in the Mediterranean Sea and are often threatened by human activity. In particular, research activities focus on the Mediterranean willow species to delve into many biological and ecological aspects. “These mysterious deep-sea inhabitants play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, contributing to the balance of food webs and the health of deep-sea habitats,” explains Tarralongo. Conservation status is often a concern for many shark species that are threatened by fishing and habitat destruction. However, new and interesting aspects of the project are emerging which give researchers good hopes for the near future of this species.”

Alien Fish Project

The research, linked to the AlienFish project, involves fishermen from different Italian regions and collects valuable data on the distribution of sharks in the Mediterranean Sea, of biological and ecological value. This effort not only enriches scientific understanding, but also promotes the conservation of these “mysterious” species, highlighting the importance of marine conservation and community engagement in protecting deep-sea sharks. “We know that alien species can also pose a threat to fishing activities, so every fisherman and sea lover must make their own contribution,” says Michele Tedesco. “It has informed researchers of many species, including sharks and rays of unknown depths, but also coastal fish and exotic invertebrates.” “The ecology of unknown species is something that interests me and I admire,” Antonino Martino continues proudly. “I have delivered important models that have been the subject of research and scientific publications,” says Alfonso Baron.

And also success on Facebook

Tarralongo, in addition to being a scientist and nature enthusiast fighting to defend the marine ecosystem, is happy with the growing involvement in the project: “There are several hundred ‘citizen scientists’ who almost daily deliver data and samples for study but there are also many researchers, many Young people who, motivated by their great passion, make the project “fly” beyond national borders. Today our Facebook group, “Marine animals of the Mediterranean”, hosts nearly 27 thousand members, including researchers, university professors and sea lovers from all over the world. “The research we are conducting at the University of Catania highlights new biological and ecological data on these species.” “For example, we determine the reproductive period of some deep-sea sharks, their fecundity and the speed of embryo development, all of which are essential data for managing and conserving these key species for our ecosystem. Although the situation is generally critical and it is urgent to implement monitoring techniques, from the recent data collected we have good hopes for some species, which in the Ionian Sea and in the Mediterranean as a whole, are very rare and in strong decline.”