Gulf of Cagliari, hunting for “ghost” nets with the “Fishing for the Planet” project
The initiative to map what is abandoned in the waves by fishing boats and reduce the impact of hazardous waste on the marine ecosystemPer restare aggiornato entra nel nostro canale Whatsapp
Fishing for the Planet , the reconnaissance project of abandoned fishing nets in the Gulf of Cagliari by the sports association Asd Blue Life Scuola Apnea Sardegna, also stopped in Marina di Capitana. Launched at the beginning of the summer, in collaboration with the Municipalities of Cagliari and Quartu Sant'Elena, with the support of Fondazione di Sardegna, the results of the initiative were presented last Friday. The project also includes ongoing mapping of the dispersed fishing nets (called "Ghosts") detected on the seabed of the Gulf of Cagliari (from the Sant'Elia district in Cagliari to the coastline preceding the Amp Capo Carbonara).
The environmental, cultural, economic and social value of Fishing for the Planet was highlighted by Councilor Luisa Giua Marassi : «This is a very important initiative given the essential role that the sea element represents for Cagliari. The marine ecosystem, in fact, constitutes one of the most strategic and most necessary resources for the city. Consequently, its protection and enhancement represent a priority mission for the municipal administration». Looking to the future, Giua Marassi concluded: «The sea means biodiversity, it means fighting pollution, it means responsibility. But it also means opportunities for growth, both economic and social. Only through sustainable management of our sea can we think of obtaining benefits and economic opportunities for our territory and for future generations».
During the meeting , plaques were also delivered to the Municipalities of Cagliari and Quartu Sant'Elena, to Saromar Gestioni, which manages the Marina di Capitana marina, for their commitment to making the Gulf increasingly free from "ghost nets" and cleaner, and certificates were given to sportsmen. These nets, which are particularly dangerous for marine flora and fauna, are also problematic for safety at sea, including for those who practice water sports. Furthermore, the "hunters" of nets, both sportsmen and non-sportsmen, who have distinguished themselves in reporting and/or searching for spots, currently over a dozen verified points, including old nets and traps, some of which are hundreds of meters long, will be awarded. Up to now, 17 have been verified and traced. The reports will continue to be collected on the map until September 30. "The project was born from the love and respect for the sea of all those who experience it thanks to water sports: from snorkeling to freediving, through sport fishing - explains Simone Mingoia , project manager and president of the ASD Blue life Scuola apnea Sardegna - respecting and keeping the sea clean and productive is the only way we have to be able to enjoy it in the future. These nets are a threat".
(Online Union)