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MARAVES II. Birds and fishermen, allies for a sea of biodiversity.

Pleamar program

MARAVES II gives continuity to the MARAVES project, reinforcing the involvement of the fishing sector, both professional and recreational, in the conservation of the marine environment, with special attention to birds. The project focuses its action on the areas of the Natura 2000 Network of the Spanish Mediterranean, expanding its scope from the Levantine-Balearic Marine Demarcation to the Marine Demarcation of the Strait and Alborán.

The initiative promotes participatory data collection on bycatch, the adoption of digital tools and experimentation with innovative mitigation measures. It also seeks to consolidate a toolkit of solutions developed jointly with the fishing sector, which will be validated through a workshop for the exchange of experiences.

MARAVES II also includes the tagging and monitoring of birds to deepen their relationship with fishing activity and post-harvest effects, paying special attention to diving patterns. The project offers support to the state and regional administrations in the implementation of plans related to bycatch and species conservation, as well as contributing to the management of protected areas and the development of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the marine environment.

Finally, it reinforces awareness-raising actions through workshops, informative materials and a new website aimed at improving knowledge and social involvement around the interaction between birds and fisheries.

INTEMARES complementary project.

The following collaborating entities are Seatech SL (Scientificangler), CEAB-CSIC and
the General Directorate of Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries (Generalitat de Catalunya).

Line of action:

Marine ecosystems

Status:

En ejecución

Location

Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, Balearic Islands

Research line

Axis 2. Protection of the Marine Environment

Execution date:

2026

End date:

2027

Project web page:

https://www.programapleamar.es/proyectos/maraves-ii-aves-y-pescadores-aliados-por-un-mar-de-biodiversidad

The general objective is to improve knowledge about the occurrence of bycatches of seabirds , the factors that lead to them and their impact on the population, as well as to seek measures to minimise them, both by professional fishing (with particular attention to bottom longlines) and recreational fishing, through a collaborative approach that involves the sector and promotes the exchange of experiences. promoting a sustainable fishing model that respects the marine environment, based on co-responsibility. The economic and social viability of the activity will also be ensured, with particular attention to the marine Natura 2000 Network and its good management, in the Spanish Mediterranean.

Specific objectives:

OE1. To improve knowledge about the occurrence of seabird bycatch and the factors that lead to it, promoting the involvement of the sector through a collaborative approach, and to improve information collection systems to support administrations.
OE2. Continue exploratory work to develop, improve and test different bycatch mitigation measures, with special attention to bottom longline and palangrillo, with the direct involvement of the sector.
OE3. To deepen the study of the seabird-fishing relationship through GPS markings and remote reading ring programs, paying special attention to birds released alive after falling into fishing gear and improving information on juvenile individuals, a high-risk age still little known.
OE4. Maintain and strengthen the involvement of the recreational fishing sector to understand the bird-fishery relationship, promote more sustainable practices and train fishermen to collect information.
OE5. To contribute to the identification and good management of protected areas, promoting the application of the concept of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) to the marine environment in Spain, and to provide tools that support the management plans of marine SPAs in relation to the interaction between birds and fisheries, with the participation of the fishing sector.
OE6. To support the state and regional administrations competent in fisheries, aquaculture and protection of the sea to achieve a good environmental status of the marine environment and of seabirds in particular, contributing to the fulfilment of the international commitments acquired by Spain in these matters.
OE7. To disseminate and raise awareness among the general public and the professional and recreational fishing sector about the problem of bird-fishing interaction, especially in the context of the Natura 2000 Network, publicizing the initiatives underway and promoting solutions based on collaborative work.

programa
linea de actuación

MARAVES II. Birds and fishermen, allies for a sea of biodiversity.