Artisanal fishing in Lesina Lagoon: critical points and innovative fishing techniques

Transitional environments are among the richest ecosystems in the world in terms of biodiversity and productivity. Lesina lagoon is one of the largest wetlands in southern Italy and it has always represented an important fishing ground for local communities. It is exploited by small vessels using traditional fishing gears and targeting a wide spectrum of species. Local fishery is mainly based on the use of “paranza”, a traditional fishing system made up of net walls fixed on stakes and retaining devices (fyke-nets). The nets are placed shore-to-shore in north-south direction and provide a fence which convey the fish into fyke-nets positioned at regular intervals along them. Fishing activities include also the use of gillnets, trammel nets and harpoon. Despite artisanal fishing is widely recognized as a sustainable activity, it could greatly impact ecologically sensitive environments, such as Lesina lagoon, as it is characterized by a low selectivity and high efficiency. In addition, it produces a considerable amount of by-catch, including juveniles of commercial species and species without commercial value. Unfortunately, no quantitative data are to date available on the selectivity of gear used in artisanal fishing activities in Lesina lagoon and the contribution of by-catch to total captures. The present study provides a comprehensive historical review of the fishing techniques in Lesina lagoon in accord with the actions of the “CatchUpFish” (PO FEAMP, funded by the Apulia Region). The main scope is to contribute to the identification of the main determinants of the observed decline of traditional production activities and to the formulation of effective strategies for a sustainable fishery management. Increasing stakeholders awareness on the environmental consequences and reducing the by-catch by improving gear selectivity and experimenting innovative fishing gears are urgent matters for the sustainable use of lagoon resources