'LIFE OASIS' is a funded project by the LIFE Programme, the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action
The main problems

In most cases, ALDFG originates from illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing operations. MEDTOP has detected an exponential increase in IUU and ALDFG fishing in the Mediterranean since 2016.

 

 

> Discover the main three problems:​
1. Drifting marine litter has become a significant death threat to sea turtles.​
2. Every year, 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans.​
3. 70% of plastic marine litter comprises abandoned, lost or other ​discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), or “ghost fishing”.

1st solution:
Rescuing marine turtles

LIFE OASIS raises awareness, informs, and guides the competent authorities, ports, patrol boats, fishers, sailors, and sports fishers to optimize the rescue of sea turtles through concerted action on a large scale throughout the basin.

A network of recovery centers throughout the Mediterranean can save turtles that are alive and entangled.

2nd solution:
Report & recover ALDFG

The same network we have for turtle rescue can also help us report and recover marine litter. Using data from ALDFG reports, LIFE OASIS will produce maps to identify and forecast:​
1. Source hotspots to address risk prevention.​
2. Oceanographic features that constitute hotspots for aggregation for sea turtle rescue and ALDFG recovery.​

3rd solution:
Sustainable aFADS​

1. aFAD Fisheries offers essential potential for improvement.​​
Combining the knowledge of fishers with science to improve aFAD fishing. ​
​2. LIFE OASIS introduces the “Intelligent aFAD” management scheme.​

Using the artisanal aFAD fishery of Malta, Sicily and the Balearic Islands as a laboratory, we will develop a replicable “aFAD smart fishing scheme”.

OUR VISION: safeguarding our seas
Why LIFE OASIS combines turtle rescue, ghost gear removal, and sustainable fishing methods?

LIFE OASIS combines turtle rescue, ghost gear removal, and sustainable fishing because these efforts are deeply interconnected. Ghost gear poses a significant threat to marine life, especially turtles, so identifying and removing it is key to protecting ecosystems. By introducing sustainable fishing with aFADs, LIFE OASIS proposes a new approach with innovative practices within the fishing sector. Working hand-in-hand with artisanal fishers across Malta, Gozo, Sicily, and the Balearics, LIFE OASIS is developing sustainable fishing solutions to protect our seas and support coastal communities.

OUR MISSION

Discover our key objectives to protect the Mediterranean’s biodiversity:

1. Reduce ALDFG impact

Engage 80%+ stakeholders in reporting and retrieving abandoned fishing gear.

2. Develop sustainable gear

Design and test aFADs and intelligent aFADs to reduce gear loss and turtle entanglement.

3. Implement solutions

Deploy 3,500 aFADs and 60 intelligent aFADs across Balearic Islands, Malta and Sicily.

4. Boost conservation

Use intelligent aFADs as tools for marine data collection and monitoring.

5. Enhance turtle rescue

Map ALDFG, analyze trends, and improve turtle rescue success with greater stakeholder engagement.

6. Standardize and share

Supports coastal communities with sustainable income through improved fishing methods.

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from those involved in the LIFE OASIS project and their experiences.

“As a fisherman, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that abandoned fishing gear poses to marine life. Working with LIFE OASIS has opened my eyes to the importance of sustainable practices. The new aFAD systems have made my work safer but are also helping protect turtles and other marine species. It’s inspiring to know that my efforts contribute to a healthier ocean.”

Gori Mayol,
Fisherman

“LIFE OASIS is a game-changer for marine conservation. By mapping ALDFG and increasing data collection, we’re gaining valuable insights into the health of our seas. The project’s innovative solutions, like the intelligent aFADs, reduce risks to marine life and offer sustainable alternatives to traditional fishing methods.”

Ric Sagarminaga,
LIFE OASIS and ALNITAK coordinator and biologist

“Every sea turtle rescue is a reminder of the fragility of marine life. Thanks to LIFE OASIS, we’ve seen a significant improvement in turtle survival rates. The increased reporting and retrieval of ghost gear have made our jobs easier, and working alongside fishers and marine conservationists has made a real difference. It’s been an honor to be part of such a vital project.”

Alexander Sánchez,
Biologist and turtle rescuer

“As someone working within the fishing industry, I’m excited about the innovative approaches LIFE OASIS brings. Developing sustainable fishing gear, like the intelligent aFADs, is crucial to preserving marine ecosystems while supporting local fishing communities. It’s inspiring to be part of a project that blends technology with tradition for a sustainable future.”

Belén Caparrós,
Communication and project fishing sector innovation
Our partners

Discover the partners involved in the LIFE OASIS project:

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