New Initiative to Monitor Mediterranean Sea Life Launched

A new initiative to monitor and document the status of marine life in the Mediterranean Sea has been launched.

The new work is a partnership between four organizations: Community Jameel, Blue Abacus, the Monégasque Association for the Protection of Nature and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

The project will use baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) to film, count, audit and analyze marine species. Over the course of the year, two surveys will be conducted to create a set of robust data. Monaco can then use this data to help in its marine conservation efforts.

According to Olivier Wenden, the Vice President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation:

“The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is pleased to join forces with Community Jameel, Blue Abacus and the Monegasque Association for the Protection of Nature, with the objective of improving knowledge on the diversity of the species living in the deep waters of the Larvotto marine reserve. Supporting the development of scientific data through innovative tools is an essential condition for ensuring optimal protection of the marine environment. The cameras will enable us to develop our knowledge without disturbing marine life which, I believe, is a real added value.”

While Jacqueline Gautier-Debernardi, the director of the Monégasque Association for the Protection of Nature, added:

“I am very proud of the partnership established between the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Community Jameel and Blue Abacus, which will once again make it possible to launch innovative research programs in Monaco’s MPAs. Indeed, although small in size and in an urbanised environment, they have the particularity of being real research laboratories in a natural environment. We have already tested numerous experiments there, made possible by the high level of monitoring they benefit from, and have proven the fundamental role they play in the preservation of biodiversity. The Blue Abacus program will bring new knowledge on fish populations, concerning deeper habitats such as sandy or rocky bottoms located between 40 and 50 meters deep inside and outside the limits of the Larvotto MPA, and will undoubtedly reinforce the data collected within the framework of the reserve effect, so important to emphasize the need to multiply MPAs along the Mediterranean coasts.”

You can find out more information here.