STRONG SEA LIFE: VALUTAZIONE DELL’IMPATTO E PRIORITÀ DI RIMOZIONE DEGLI ALDFG NELL’HABITAT CORALLIGENO

STRONG SEA LIFE: ASSESSING THE IMPACT AND REMOVAL PRIORITY OF ALDFG IN CORALLIGENOUS HABITAT

Abstract

The STRONG SEA LIFE project addresses the issue of Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), which poses a serious threat to marine habitats but can also cause harm if improperly removed. To support decision-making on possible interventions, the project tested the Gear Removal Index (GRI), a tool designed to assess both the impact and removal priority of ALDFG. The index was adapted from a previous version to fit a broader range of field situations. It was applied to six ghost nets found in coralligenous habitat in northern Sardinia: three located within 40m and three at greater depths. Monitoring was conducted using video images collected by divers and ROV, respectively. The GRI values ​​indicated that all nets were suitable for removal. Overall, the GRI proved to be a practical and cost-effective tool, enabling a rapid assessment to support responsible management of ALDFG while minimizing additional ecological risks.