In July and September 2024, a series of coordinated actions took place as part of the ecoRoute project, focusing on the recovery of lost fishing gear and the protection of marine ecosystems.
On 26 July, an ecological partnership was established between the ecoRoute team, the Deep Turtle Plongée diving centre, and local fishermen to recover abandoned fishing traps from the seabed. These “ghost” fishing gears pose a serious threat to marine life, as they continue to trap organisms and disrupt ecosystem balance. This initiative not only contributed to environmental protection but also supported fishermen by helping prevent the loss of valuable equipment.
The action was followed by a second recovery session on 4 September in the Grande Anse Bay, further strengthening cooperation between divers and fishing communities. During the activity, discussions with fishermen highlighted the critical role of diving centres in enabling such recovery operations, reinforcing the need for collaboration across sectors within the blue economy.
These initiatives underline ecoRoute’s commitment to promoting a collaborative approach, where marine professionals actively contribute to environmental protection. By addressing the issue of lost fishing gear, the project helps safeguard biodiversity, maintain healthier seabeds, and foster sustainable fishing practices.
Through actions like these, ecoRoute demonstrates how environmental, social, and economic interests can converge, creating practical solutions for the protection of marine ecosystems and the sustainable future of coastal communities.
