The project has carried out a preliminary study of the biocenosis (communities) of gorgonian reefs in the Cape Roche environment, which allowed the identification of hotspots in which to prioritize conservation actions. The potential area of the habitats that host communities of high biodiversity dominated by invertebrates was estimated and it was determined that 5 of the 10 species with the greatest presence in coralligenous have some form of protection and 12 of the 70 species censused, some level of threat. The study shows that at least the five areas sampled in detail should have protection or regulation of uses in the future.
From the GADES project, professional, recreational and illegal unreported fishing activities have been monitored to make recommendations on a future management plan for an IPM. Based on information from surveys, catch and positioning data, on-site observations and photographic analysis, the access routes to the study area have been located, the census of boats and fishermen has been estimated, the dimensions of the vessels have been characterised and the temporal patterns of the activity have been known. There are 112 small gear boats and approximately 1,670 pleasure boats in the ports of the area. With regard to illegal fishing, both illegal underwater fishing and fishing carried out from boats or kayaks have been analysed, and 61 illegal spearfishermen have been observed.
Thanks to the pre-existing marine cartography, and variables derived from it in the Cape Roche Sea area proposed as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest (RMIP), a mapping of habitats has been carried out supported by a video campaign carried out from ROV following a stratified sampling scheme. 68 dives have been carried out with a total of 500 representative images of the different habitats and facies observed. With the information obtained, it has been possible to differentiate 5 different habitats in the Spanish Inventory of Marine Habitats and Species and in the Habitats Directive.
Finally, actions were carried out to disseminate the experiences and learning obtained. Exchange workshops were also held on the management of fisheries in protected marine areas (Network of Spanish Marine Reserves of Fishing Interest and Marine Natura 2000 Network). These activities made it possible to identify conservation and fisheries management measures, opportunities for economic diversification in marine reserves and the barriers to their implementation, in addition to generating synergies between actors and identifying sectoral indicators. A third workshop was held to involve the recreational sector in the project.
GADES – Protection and Governance of the Cape Roche Sea (Cape Trafalgar – Sancti Petri Islet)