On 6 March, a meeting took place with the participation of seven fishermen operating in the waters of the “Cyclopean Isles” and the Oriented Natural Reserve “Oasi del Simeto”. The goal of such meeting was to train small-scale artisanal fishermen sailing in the gulf of Catania on topics related to the protection of marine biodiversity. In order to allow them to become “Sentinels of the Sea” on behalf of SEA MARVEL, and to report sightings during their activities, they gathered information on the presence and the identification of vulnerable and alien species (the latter are those living in the Mediterranean, but originating in other locations).

After introducing the project SEA MARVEL and its main objectives, the most common alien species living in Mediterranean waters were presented in detail with the support of slides and pictures. Together, they analysed in detail their main features, their place of origin and some of the consequences of their invasion.

The fishermen who participated in the activity proved to be interested in the topic and well aware of the presence of some “alien” species inhabiting the waters where they use to fish. Among such species, occasionally we find specimens of blowfish and of Pomadasys incises, and also of Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), mainly sighted in the area close to Simeto river mouth.

Afterwards, a presentation on the vulnerable species living in the gulf was analysed, focusing also on the risks such species – for example marine turtles Caretta caretta – have to face due to human activities, in particular bycatch, and due to the presence of marine litter. 

Following a moment of debate among fishermen and researchers, the participants received impact-resistant cameras, able to take pictures in extreme weather conditions and in water. Such tools are on loan for use and allow fishermen to actively engage in the activities of the University of Catania in the framework of SEA MARVEL, hence shooting videos or taking pictures with details related to time and location during their sightings of targeted species or marine litter.

The activities carried out as “Sentinels of the Sea” by fishermen belonging to different fleets is a tangible example of the importance of the cooperation among all the actors living and operating in such maritime environment in order to protect its biodiversity.