Efforts to minimize interactions between dolphins and fishermen have gained momentum, aiming for a sustainable coexistence. Dolphins and professional fishing have long competed for the same resources, leading to significant biodiversity conservation issues and economic losses in the fishing sector.
Research indicates an average of 200 cetaceans strand each year, with many showing signs of interaction with fishing activities. The economic losses for fishermen can range from €1,000 to €10,000 annually per vessel in certain regions.
The European project Life Delfi, co-funded by the EU's LIFE program, has focused on reducing these interactions through scientific research, monitoring, and awareness campaigns over the past five years. More than 500 fishermen from the Tyrrhenian Sea, Adriatic Sea, and the coasts of Croatia, Sardinia, and Sicily participated in the project.
Innovative solutions include the use of interactive acoustic deterrents called pingers, which have successfully halved interactions during fishing without negatively impacting catch rates. Additionally, smart pingers utilizing artificial intelligence have been developed to prevent dolphins from becoming accustomed to traditional sounds.
Life Delfi also introduced 400 visual deterrents, such as UV LED lights, to make fishing nets more visible to dolphins, effectively reducing interactions. New types of environmentally friendly traps have been tested, resulting in zero interactions.
Moreover, a network of rescue teams has been established to assist stranded cetaceans, alongside a new diagnostic protocol for assessing fishing interactions. The project has engaged fishermen in eco-friendly practices like dolphin watching, providing a potential new income source.
With over 250 public awareness events and a documentary highlighting the project's achievements, Life Delfi has made significant strides in promoting sustainable fishing practices and dolphin conservation.