LIFE OASIS Project

LIFE OASIS: Mitigating the negative interactions of protected species with marine litter and pelagic fisheries of the Mediterranean 

The LIFE OASIS project, funded by the LIFE Programme, addresses the challenges of marine litter and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in the Mediterranean. A threat that jeopardizes the recovery of species like the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). From 2024 to 2029, the project will engage a variety of stakeholders in the development of innovative, sustainable solutions to protect marine biodiversity and promote responsible fishing practices. 

LIFE OASIS emphasizes collaboration with artisanal fishers, navigators, and patrol boats, recognizing them as custodians of the sea in activities like sea turtle rescue, reporting and recovering ALDFG. 

LIFE OASIS uses the artisanal Mediterranean anchored FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) fisheries of Malta, Italy and Spain as a laboratory to create replicable solutions for improving ocean conservation and fostering sustainable fisheries throughout the Mediterranean and other regions. 

LIFE OASIS Consortium 

ALNITAK, CSIC ICM, CSIC IMEDEA, University of Valencia, SATLINK, CEPESCA, University of Pisa, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Filicudi Wildlife Conservation, Nature Trust Malta.  

Partner role

Alnitak coordinates the LIFE23-NAT-ES-LIFEOASIS project, overseeing technical and administrative objectives and deadlines and managing communication with the European Commission. Building on its experience in marine conservation and collaboration with fishing communities, Alnitak participates in the following technical actions:

WP2 – Sustainable and intelligent aFAD prototyping and management (led by Alnitak)
– Design, test, and develop anchored, intelligent aFADs.
– Establish a viable business plan.
– Replace illegal aFADs in Spain, Italy, Malta, and Tunisia.

WP3 – Ghost gear reporting and retrieval guidelines, ALDFG Mapping (led by CSIC)
– Create an international network for ALDFG management.
– Standardize reporting forms.
– Develop recovery guidelines.

WP6 – Sustainability, replication, and exploitation of project results (led by CEPESCA)
– Develop the project’s communication plan.
– Promote “sustainable fishing” certification.
– Integrate policies for managing aFADs and ALDFG.

In conclusion, Alnitak drives fishing innovation and ALDFG mitigation, ensuring the project’s sustainability and long-term impact.

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