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The main objective of ECOFISH PLUS is to develop environmental measures in the Gulf of Cadiz to improve the conservation status of the Gulf of Cadiz SPA and achieve a more sustainable fishery by promoting the circular economy as the central axis of its activity.

Specific objectives of the project

1. To expand to other fleets in the Gulf of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar in the development of a sustainable fishery in the study area.
2. Involve the sector of the Gulf of Cadiz in the monitoring of the interactions between fishing activities and biodiversity, promoting self-management by the sector.
3. Involve the fishing sector of the Gulf of Cadiz in the evaluation and sustainable management of marine litter from the principles of the circular economy, promoting the reuse and recovery of fishing waste.
4. To inform and raise awareness among the fishing sector and society in general of the need to develop measures to improve the environmental status of the SPA of the Gulf of Cadiz.

A.1.1. Contacts, meetings and collaboration
agreements A.2.1. Pilot Program for the Monitoring of Accidental Captures of Birds and Sea Turtles.
A.2.2. Obtain information on the transfer of plastic pollutants (micro and macro).
A.2.3. Bycatch Risk Map in the Gulf of Cadiz.
A.2.4. Evaluation of the mortality of edged apical predators.
A.3.1. Implement a demonstration programme for the assessment and sustainable management of fish discards.
A.3.2. Study on new food products from fish of low commercial value.
A.3.3. Use of fish discards for aquaculture.
A.4.1. Pilot programme for the environmental assessment and management of marine litter (on board and in port).
A.4.2. Pilot ideas for obtaining marketable products from fishing waste.
A.4.3. Informative conferences for the valorisation of fishery by-products.
A.5. Communication of the results of the project.

With the development of this project, the number of agreements with fishing vessels in the Gulf of Cadiz fleet has increased, with more than 25 vessels that have participated in the evaluation of accidental catches, fishing discards and marine litter.

In professional fishing vessels in the Gulf of Cadiz, no accidental catch events were detected, which have nevertheless been observed in surface longline (trolling) sports modalities. On the other hand, the species that make up the discards in the trawl fleet were characterized, as well as the composition of marine litter in the Gulf of Cadiz, being in this edition most of the work carried out by the crews and auxiliary personnel of the Brotherhood.

Ecofish+ has included circular economy actions, promoting the reuse and recovery of fishing waste. In this sense, the EcoAzul Network was launched, for the revaluation of marine litter, applying craftsmanship to recycling.

In terms of the valorisation of fish discards, high-quality sauces, pâtés and flavourings were developed from fish of low commercial value, as well as samples of experimental feed from horse mackerel. In addition, a prospective study was carried out on the use of discards.

On the other hand, a Comprehensive Waste Management Plan was drawn up in the fishing port of Sanlúcar, in collaboration with the Fishermen’s Guild. This plan aims to improve the management of fishing waste, as well as marine litter.

As for communication actions, awareness-raising activities were carried out for young people, with 3 activities in secondary schools, and with the production of two didactic units aimed at students at this level. In addition, a new scientific article was published in a high-impact international journal (ICES, JOurnal of Marine Science).