The main objective of the TIRRAQUI 2 project is to continue with the evaluation of the interaction of trawl and small gear fisheries with chondrichthyan species and their habitats in the SCIs, SACs of the RN2000 and ISRA areas, in the Region of Murcia and the province of Alicante. Specifically, it seeks to quantify the possible impact of these fishing fleets on the species of sharks, rays and chimaeras in the Levantine-Balearic demarcation of the Mediterranean Sea for better management and greater conservation of this group of fish. Specific actions will be carried out that are based on the protection of the marine environment, its biodiversity and sustainable fishing activity.

The results of the TIRRAQUI project highlight the need to continue with this study. The spatio-temporal characterization of the catches of chondrichthyan species from bottom trawling and small gear fishing modalities will continue, covering depth ranges from 10 to 800 m. The temporal persistence of the laying areas, concentration of broodstock and juveniles of these species, as well as the areas of high probability of chondrichthyan catches by the different fisheries and their associated habitats, will be checked. Finally, the risk of the different species in each fishing modality will be estimated, through the application of a novel methodology. In TIRRAQUI 2, in addition, a connectivity study will be carried out between the areas of concentration of mature and immature specimens detected. With all the information obtained, the impact exerted by these fleets on the different species studied will be determined. The methodologies used will be extrapolated to other SCIs, SACs of the RN2000 and ISRA areas, being essential for future participatory management plans in these areas.

This project has data from the IEO databases (on-board observers, sampling at the fish market), which are fed by the National Program for the Collection, Management and Use of data in the fishing sector (PNDB), its MEDITS campaign, as well as from the monitoring projects of the Marine Reserves of the Region of Murcia.

The initiative has a participatory and collaborative approach. Knowledge will be shared with the professional fishing sector that will facilitate decision-making and awareness of the importance of conservation of these species. The documentation generated will be shared in informative talks (aimed at the fishing sector, regional administrations and the general public), to raise awareness and make society aware of the environmental values of SCIs, SACs RN200 and ISRA zones, protection tools and the sustainable exploitation of resources in our waters.

As a result, essential data will be obtained so that administrations can establish measures aimed at the effective protection of chondrichthyans (zoning and management measures), in addition to the necessary information so that the fishing sector can carry out respectful and sustainable fishing.

INTEMARES complementary project.

The following entities act as collaborating entities: Fishermen’s Guild of San Pedro del Pinatar, Fishermen’s Guild of Cartagena, Fishermen’s Guild of Águilas, Fishermen’s Guild of Santa Pola, Fishermen’s Guild of Villajoyosa, Fishermen’s Guild Jávea, GALP La Marina, Marilles Foundation, GALPEMUR, General Directorate of Agricultural, Livestock and Fisheries Production of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia and Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Livestock and Fisheries of the Generalitat de Valencia.