Research project Monitoring and elimination of bycatch of endangered and conserved species in the NE and high seas Atlantic region
General introduction
Marine Beacon is a large-scale European research project related to protected and endangered marine animals (PET) in and near European sea areas. These are the seas around Greenland, Iceland, Azores, the Celtic and North Seas, the Bay of Biscay, plus the subtropical tropical Atlantic ecosystem northwest of Africa. To help achieve the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, 21 research, technology and fisheries partners from 9 countries will work together to map the temporal-spatial deposits, likely abundance and vulnerability status, and threats from fisheries (techniques) of the selected PETs. These include fish (certain shark and ray species, for example) as well as marine mammals, turtles and birds. The objective is, in cooperation with the fishing communities and on the basis of monitoring figures, to achieve realizable improvements in fishing practices so that undesired by-catches of PETs are reduced.
Research approach
The researchers identify significant knowledge gaps regarding endangered species and biodiversity. They study by-catches and create monitoring systems for them. They design a (semi)quantitative risk assessment (probability of mortality during fishing operations). They quantify vulnerability statuses. In doing so, they deploy innovative knowledge and tools such as next generation monitoring, AI, molecular and eDNA technology. They develop context-appropriate monitoring and mitigation strategies based on the collected data and evaluate their efficiency. They design integrated and participatory decision support tools for bycatch management.
Relevance/Valorization
The Marine Beacon project will improve our understanding of how unwanted bycatch of protected and endangered species (PET) in the Atlantic happens and will develop methods for better monitoring and mitigation of these impacts.
It will address the problem of biodiversity decline in Atlantic regions and put ecosystems and their services on track for restoration. By working inclusively with key stakeholders in the fisheries, policy and conservation sectors, Marine Beacon ensures that new, cutting-edge monitoring and mitigation tools are effective and feasible. This offers a greater chance of long-term impact and implementation beyond the life of the project.
