Lead institution:
Faculty of Sciences of Sfax – Tunisia
In the gulf of Gabès in Tunisia, fishing gear and nets are actually considered as one of the major problems of plastic pollution. Despite its high productivity and ecological importance, this gulf houses the third highest number of operational fishing vessels of all the Mediterranean regions. The area is subject to strong fishing pressure and about 52% of the Tunisian fishing fleet, contributing to almost 40% of the national fish production. Here lost or abandoned fishing equipment continue capturing fish and other animals. CLEAR Med aims to codesign solutions to be part of the change.
This Ocean Decade Action will use citizen sciences and AI to identify and quantify the impact of ghost fishing; integrate sensors and advanced technologies for preventing loss and retrieving ghost gear; raise awareness; and share best practices between partners.
Start Date: 02/03/2025
End Date: 29/02/2028
Lead Contact: Randa Mejri (randa.mejri@fss.usf.tn)