Protection of the Mediterranean and sustainable fisheries

The second annual meeting and monitoring visit of the European LIFE PROMETHEUS project (PROMoting Elasmobranchs conservation THrough by-catch reduction, Ecotourism and alternative sUStainable fisheries) will take place in Favignana (TP) from 8 to 10 September 2026, at the former Florio Tuna Processing Plant in Favignana and Formica.

The event, organised under the guidance of the Polytechnic University of the Marche and with the support of the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area, will take place in collaboration with the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station in Palermo, the University of Palermo and ISPRA in Palermo, with the participation of international partners and representatives from the European agency CINEA.

Project objectives

Co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme and operating in 12 strategic areas of the Mediterranean basin, LIFE PROMETHEUS was established to combat the progressive decline of sharks and rays (elasmobranchs). Activities focus primarily on eight target species at high risk of extinction, classified as Endangered and Critically Endangered (such as the blue shark, mako shark and white skate) on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The project also provides indirect benefits to a further seven species, listed as Vulnerable (such as smooth-hound sharks and stingrays) or at high risk of extinction but rarer in the project areas (such as porbeagle sharks and manta rays).

Key actions include reducing bycatch through the at-sea trialling of electric and magnetic deterrents on longlines and nets, which repel elasmobranchs from fishing gear by exploiting their natural sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. Promoting a shift in fishing effort towards invasive alien species, such as the blue crab and the scorpionfish, to ease the pressure on native species and support the local fishing economy. And finally, the development of responsible marine tourism (namely shark watching) and the roll-out of the Shark Free eco-label aimed at fishermen, restaurants, fishmongers and diving centres.

The three-day programme

Over the three days, participants will take part in administrative and technical review sessions with representatives from the European Commission, as well as in discussion groups focusing on reducing bycatch and the adoption of the Ecolabel. Key events include the ‘Train-the-trainers’ session on best practices for handling and releasing caught specimens, and a field trip to the island of Marettimo featuring a dive at the gathering site of the eagle ray (Myliobatis aquila), with the aim of demonstrating best practices for scuba divers in these areas.

Factsheet – LIFE PROMETHEUS

• Funding programme: LIFE Programme (LIFE23-NAT-IT-LIFE-PROMETHEUS)
• Scientific coordination: Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DISVA) – Polytechnic University of the Marche (Coordinator: Prof. Emanuela Fanelli; Project Manager: Dr Zaira Da Ros)
• Venue: Former Florio Tuna Fishing Plant at Favignana and Formica (Via Amendola 29, Favignana)
• Project duration: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2029
• Website: www.life-prometheus.eu

Notes for editors:

• Press contacts:
  • Prof. Emanuela Fanelli (Coordinator) – e.fanelli@univpm.it
  • Dr Zaira Da Ros (Project Manager) – z.daros@univpm.it