Knowledge about fish nursery habitats is still limited, which poses a challenge for their conservation. These mosaic coastal habitats, which are crucial for the survival of many fish species, are often not recognized or included in existing management plans. A lack of data and awareness about their importance can lead to ineffective marine resource management.
As part of this project, data on fish nursery habitats will be collected to improve the management and protection of marine protected areas. The project’s main goal is to enhance the management of these areas by providing key data to improve zoning, in line with international guidelines. The project will strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to establish and implement monitoring the status of fish population in 4 marine protected areas located in Croatia (Natura 2000 marine area “Pakleni Islands” HR3000095), France (Parc Marin de la Côte Bleue and Calanques National Park), and Montenegro (Katič).
This project will gather valuable information to support future decision-making related to zoning, development of conservation measures, and management effectiveness evaluation. Shallow coastal habitats important for fish nursery development will be mapped in the pilot area of the Pakleni Islands, which is part of the ecological network site HR3000095. Through spatial analysis of marine habitats, areas requiring enhanced protection will be identified, and monitoring of identified nursery habitats will be established. A public awareness campaign will also be organized to highlight the importance of preserving these habitats, all in cooperation with experts from France and Montenegro.
The project is funded through the MedPAN network initiative, which brings together organizations and managers of marine protected areas in the Mediterranean with the aim of their protection and conservation.
Lead partner: Septentrion Environnement
Project partners: Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development Sunce, NGO Montenegrin Ecologists Society, Mediterranean Center for Environmental Monitoring (NGO MedCEM)
Pilot areas: Parc Marin de la Côte Bleue and Parc National des Calanques (France), Nature Park Katič (Montenegro), Pakleni Islands (Croatia)
Total project budget: €81,380.00
Start date: January 1, 2025
End date: March 31, 2026
Project manager at Sunce: MSc. Matea Špika, mag.biol.
Email: [email protected]
Project assistant at Sunca: Karla Jelić, mag.exp.biol.
Email: [email protected]
