Habitat enhancement with Pesca National Autonomous Association of Small Fishing Companies / ANAPI Pesca – Associazione Nazionale Autonoma Piccole Imprese di Pesca (Italy)

 

 

The organization and local perspectives on conservation and stewardship

 

ANAPI Pesca represents small-scale coastal and inland fishing and processing enterprises at national institutions. ANAPI plays its role of protection, representation and promotion of the sector’s activities at various institutional levels.

 

Conservation and stewardship are important to protect the economic and social status of the communities and to safeguard the environment for the future.

 

Stewardship experience: Restoration and protection of marine ecosystems and compensation schemes in the context of sustainable fishing activities

 

The issue or problem being addressed

The reduction of commercially interesting marine resources and observations of environmental degradation. This has been noted as a result of overly generalized rules, imposed in a top-down manner, that do not take into account local contexts and needs.

 

The activities

This project began in 2002 when artificial reef blocks were placed on the seabed. These blocks were made of elements suitable for habitat restoration, and to support the recovery of local marine ecosystems. There is a contrast between illegal fishing practices, and efforts to protect and restore local biodiversity and protect the coast. We are still working to address illegal fishing in the area.

 

The benefits/impacts including sustainability/environmental effects

Established artificial reefs offer a shorter distance to the fishing spot, resulting in lower fuel usage and shorter fishing trips (less time, money and fuel spent during fishing trips). These reef blocks also offer important habitat areas for fish, which helps the local ecosystem to recover from previous damage, to enhance resiliency against illegal fishing, and to remain a healthy, productive, self-sufficient ecosystem for many years to come.

 

The success and significance of the activities

The example is significant as it demonstrates the possibility of establishing marine ‘reproductive farms’ where permanent resources can be easily managed by the local fishing communities. This helps to secure sustainable and reliable fishing livelihoods for local communities.

 

Some lessons learned or words of wisdom

Unity is strength.

 

For additional information, see ‘Protection and restoration of biodiversity and marine ecosystems and of
compensation schemes in the context of sustainable fishing activities’ (PDF available below, in Italian), or view the organization’s website or Facebook page:

ANAPI Pesca Il Progetto_Italia

https://www.anapipesca.it/

https://www.facebook.com/ANAPI-Pesca-670933669585261/about/

 

 

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Fishery Facts

(Below are the applicable categories of fisheries, environment, species, gear type and livelihood role.)

 

Fishery characteristics:

• Marine capture fishery (e.g. nearshore/coastal/reef-based/deep sea) 
• Inland capture fishery (e.g. river/lake/reservoir) 
• Recreational/sport fishery

The environment where fishing takes place: 

• Coastal – Nearshore
• Freshwater – large lake

Main species targeted:

• Marine – Small pelagics (finfish) – e.g. reef fishes/herring/mackerel/sardines
• Marine – Demersal finfish – e.g. cod/flatfish/grouper
• Molluscs (including bivalves and cephalopods – e.g. octopus/clams)
• Crustaceans (e.g. shrimp/prawn/lobster)
• Algae or seaweed and other aquatic plants 

Gear types/ methods used:

• Trawl (demersal/pelagic)
• Gillnet
• Purse seine
• Pot/trap
• Beach harvest/gleaning (e.g. collection of shellfish/algae/mangrove crabs etc.)

Role of the fishery in local livelihoods:

• Seasonal