An initiative by HIPPOCAMPUS, supported by SPA/RAC, to highlight the ecological role of sharks and rays in sustaining ecosystem resilience.
Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are among the most endangered marine species in the Adriatic Sea, affected by overfishing, habitat degradation and lack of awareness. At the same time, the region faces a surge in invasive species such as the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and lionfish (Pterois miles), which threaten biodiversity and local fisheries.
The project Guardian Sharks of the HIPPOCAMPUS association addressed this dual challenge by raising awareness of the ecological role of native predators in maintaining ecosystem balance and by promoting conservation-friendly fishing practices.
“Elasmobranchs are not only vulnerable species: they are also allies in keeping ecosystems resilient.” – HIPPOCAMPUS Association
The initiative combined professional media production with direct stakeholder engagement to promote behavioural change. Activities included:
- Fishing trips and documentation: Five field trips were carried out with professional fisher Nikola Kosanović. Seven species were safely released, including the angelshark (Squatina squatina), smooth-hound (Mustelus mustelus), thornback ray (Raja clavata) and eagle ray (Myliobatis aquila). The process was documented through underwater, onboard and aerial filming.
- Interviews: Stakeholders including fishers, marine scientists, and ecologists contributed their perspectives, enriching the educational materials by combining scientific knowledge and practical experience.
- Workshops: Three workshops in Sukošan, Pag and Pula gathered small-scale fishers, recreational fishing communities, NGOs and local authorities to discuss conservation practices and the importance of marine protected areas.
- Media outputs: Three educational videos were produced on the status of elasmobranchs, their interactions with fisheries, and the vital role of fishers in conserving these species. A radio interview and targeted communication further amplified outreach.
Guardian Sharks successfully engaged fishers, scientists and the public in recognising the importance of sharks and rays for Adriatic ecosystems. The project showcased best practices for safe handling and release, providing a model that can inspire replication across the Mediterranean.
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.