Active from 2008 to 2012.
The MADE (Mitigate ADverse Ecological impacts for open ocean fisheries) project was an international research and awareness-raising project promoted by the European Commission, which began in 2008 and ended in 2012.
The project, which was extremely complex, involved a series of large pelagic fisheries using FADs, purse seines and longlines, collecting scientific data in situ (including sophisticated techniques), marking species with satellite tags to conduct behavioural studies, using reference satellite oceanographic data, carrying out acoustic tag studies around FADs and conducting ex situ experiments on the reactions of some species to artificial lures. At the same time, data were collected on the fishing activities involved (including with observers on board), including socio-economic data and the empirical knowledge of fishermen. All data were used to develop mathematical models that could help improve management of the activities. The project also aimed to develop new fishing technologies, test new technologies in practice, identify areas with high bycatch rates, analyse the FAD moratorium, the impact of FADs on the behaviour of pelagic species, improve knowledge on the biology and behaviour of pelagic sharks, develop economic efficiency indicators, develop prototypes of artificial lures with validation of their functionality, develop eco-friendly FADs, develop techniques and systems to reduce bycatch of sharks, turtles, juvenile bigeye and yellowfin tuna with purse seines and FADs, and sharks, turtles and juvenile swordfish with longlines. Among the objectives, the dissemination part was very important, through the creation of a dedicated website, communications focused on fishermen, ICCAT, IOTC and DG_Fisheries of the European Commission. The project also included several workshops, including one on MPAs and fishing exclusion areas in pelagic environments.
The project has received official compliments from the European Commission.
Partner:
IRD-France (coordinator), IRD-Seychelles (Seychelles), IRD-La Reunion (France), HCMR (Crete, Greece), University of Patras (Greece), Aquastudio Research Institute (Messina, Italy), University of Pernambuco (Brazil), Fishery Authority (Seychelles), IMAR (Azores, Portugal), University of La Reunion (France), University of Montpellier (France), University of Brussels (Belgium), AZTI (Bilbao, Spain) and Fondazione Acquario di Genova Onlus (Genoa, Italy).
Sponsor: European Commission.
