An initiative by the Royal Albania Foundation supported by SPA/RAC, to raise awareness on the conservation of sharks and rays in Albania.
In the Mediterranean, more than half of shark and ray species are threatened. Improving their conservation status requires action at different levels. Information and awareness, which can influence more sustainable practices, are particularly crucial.
In Albania, and particularly in the coastal areas of Vlora and Orikum, sharks and rays face growing pressures from bycatch and lack of awareness among fishers and consumers. The Royal Albania Foundation addressed this challenge through the project Voices of the Deep.
“Through communication tools and public engagement, the project aims to contribute to a better understanding of threats, sustainable practices, and the ecological role of these species,” explains the Foundation.
The project combined several complementary actions to raise awareness and foster behavioural change.
- Educational video: A 7-minute film was produced with footage from the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Protected Area and interviews with local fishers. The video had been broadcast on national television and shared widely on social media. It is also likely to be used during biology classes for pupils in Vlora’s schools.
- Public outreach events: Two large meetings brought together fishers, youth, NGOs, and local authorities in Orikum and Vlora. Participants discussed threats to sharks, shared experiences of accidental catches, and explored co-management solutions. A working group was created with local institutions to continue awareness efforts beyond the project.
- Youth sensitisation: More than 1,200 students participated in interactive sessions, including video screenings, Q&A with marine experts, and the distribution of posters and flyers. Educational activities were also organised in schools and visitor centres, with materials expected to reach over 5,000 youth in the coming year.
- Awareness campaign: Over 1,000 flyers, posters and a visual guide for fishers were produced and distributed in schools, markets, and fishing centres. A bilingual social media campaign further amplified the project’s message, reaching thousands of people across Albania.
The Voices of the Deep initiative united stakeholders—from youth to fishers—in a shared commitment to protect sharks and rays in the Adriatic Sea, laying the groundwork for continued conservation efforts and a healthier marine ecosystem.
If you are interested in scaling up this project or developing collaborations, we invite you to contact us.
This initiative, along with five others for shark conservation, was supported by SPA/RAC, the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), as part of its support to the implementation of the 2024–2025 Work Programme of UNEP/MAP, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the FishEBM Med project.
