Marine biodiversity: second census campaign of fish species in Sicily completed

OGS researchers, together with colleagues from the University of Messina and the Cooperativa Pescatori Marina, and in agreement with the managing body of the two reserves and in collaboration with the Pro Loco Capo Peloro, coordinated the visual census of fish species in two Sicilian areas belonging to the Natura 2000 network on the north coast of the island: Capo Peloro - Laghi di Ganzirri and the Oliveri - Tindari Lagoon.

During the reconnaissance phase of the project, thanks to the collaboration with fishermen and shellfish farmers in the areas, the main problems affecting the two areas emerged. In the Capo Peloro area, for example, the presence of the well-known blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, an invasive allochthonous species that threatens biodiversity, was highlighted, as well as the abundant blooms of the so-called "grass" (filamentous algae), which, especially in Lake Ganzirri, occur on such a massive scale that they obstruct the passage of boats and force shellfish farmers to fish by hand. In the Marinello area, on the other hand, fishermen have unanimously noted the problem of the silting up of the Gulf of Patti and the reduction in the quantity of fish and certain commercially important species such as cuttlefish, octopus and anchovies.

The first samplings have highlighted the heterogeneity and uniqueness of these areas, with encounters with unexpected species, such as that with the common torpedo (Torpedo torpedo) in Lake Faro and that with the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) in Lake Porto Vecchio.

The researchers are mapping habitats that play a fundamental role in maintaining biodiversity, which is important to preserve for the health of these two important Sicilian transitional ecosystems.  
The activities are part of the project "BIOSEA - Protection and preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in transitional environments", financed by funds PO-FEAMP 2014/2020.