Line of action:

Status:

Execution date:

General Objective:

To contribute to the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the surroundings of the Marine Reserves of Fishing Interest of Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas, Cabo Tiñoso and Cabo de Gata-Níjar and in Natura 2000 Network areas in southeastern Spain, promoting cooperation between the fishing, hospitality and commercial sectors.

Specific objectives:

1. To promote and add value to artisanal fishing activities and products.
2. To promote the consumption of local artisanal fishery products, obtained with methods with a low impact on the environment.
3. To promote the use of fishery products from unwanted catches.
4. To train informed and active consumers, who are co-responsible for the sustainable management of fishery products and the conservation of marine biodiversity.
5. Involve the hospitality sector and fresh fish shops in the valorisation of artisanal fish products.
6. Promote the participation of fishermen in raising awareness among citizens, both in relation to sustainable artisanal fishery products and in the conservation of marine biodiversity.
7. To disseminate the ecological values of the marine reserves and the Natura 2000 network within the scope of the project, as well as the importance of these management tools for the regeneration of fishery resources and the conservation of marine biodiversity.

With the PESCADARTE project , it has been possible to contribute to the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the surroundings of the Marine Reserves of Fishing Interest of Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas, Cabo Tiñoso and Cabo de Gata – Níjar and in areas of the Natura 2000 Network in southeastern Spain, promoting cooperation between the fishing sector, hotel and commercial sector. The project has reached a total of 7,426 people with its awareness-raising actions, for which it has had the collaboration and participation of numerous actors – public administrations, fishermen’s guilds, non-profit associations, hoteliers and restaurateurs, scientists, educational centres and the general public.

In the project, 24 gastronomic demonstrations were held in restaurants, food markets and public squares, with a total of 1,438 participants. In them, 17 species of low commercial value were tasted. As a result of these days, numerous collaborating restaurants have incorporated fish of low commercial value into their seasonal menu.

27 information days were held, with the participation of a total of 1,511 people, in order to publicize information related to the sustainable consumption of fishery products: identification of species of seasonal, local and caught fish with artisanal fishing gear and the added value of their consumption, in addition to the different fishing gear used; interpretation of the information included in the labelling of these products; and knowledge about the value of marine reserves and Natura 2000 Network areas.

31 educational itineraries were also carried out in which the ecological values of marine reserves and Natura 2000 Network areas, the activities compatible with the conservation of marine biodiversity and the importance of environmental preservation were made known. 1,694 people participated in this activity.

The PESCADARTE project created a network of sustainable restaurants, made up of twenty establishments that include at least three species of seasonal fish, local and caught with artisanal fishing gear. Up to 31 different species have been included in the menus, such as bacoreta, chirrete, lecha, or dentex, among others.

Finally, two gastronomic days were held in Murcia and Almeria, in which a total of 2,108 people participated.