How can the scientific community support national ministries in improving the protection of sharks and rays? This question was at the heart of a recent workshop held in Naples, coordinated by Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, CNR-IRBIM, University of Palermo, University of Padua, and WWF Italy, and promoted as part of three projects: LIFE Prometheus, LIFE European Sharks, and eLIFE.
We presented several activities from our project that contribute to sustainable management: training courses on protected species, involving fishers in finding common-sense solutions, and mobilising local communities to identify important areas that need protection.
Monica Barone showcased the legal framework analysis developed together with the Italian Coast Guard for LIFE European Sharks, while Giulia Seccidi from DAGRI UNIFI explained which shark species are eaten in Italy — and how many.
Among the participants was Vincenzo Nocera, a fisherman from Portici who has quickly become a valued friend of the project. With great care and enthusiasm, he continues to release torpedo rays and nursehounds caught in his nets — an effort made even more meaningful by the fact that the Banco di Santa Croce, an important nursery area for this declining species, lies right here in the Gulf of Naples.
His words were met with a heartfelt round of applause from all researchers present — thank you, Vincenzo!
