DivulgAstici

The Ichthyogenic Experimental Marine Centre (CISMAR) of the Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), has been conducting European lobster repopulation efforts along the northern coast of Lazio for over ten years, releasing juveniles with genetic, ecological, and behavioral characteristics similar to those of wild specimens.

Repopulation programs can raise awareness about the importance of conserving marine resources among both fishermen and the general public. In the case of lobsters, repopulating with a valuable yet dwindling species has effectively demonstrated to a broad audience the connection between academic research (which enabled the lobster repopulation), marine habitat conservation (protected from illegal fishing, providing a safe environment for the species’ growth), and the maintenance of resources vital for supporting small-scale coastal fishing.

Over the past five years, numerous dissemination initiatives have centered around this case study: regular meetings with local fishermen to involve them in the repopulation project, television and newspaper interviews to highlight the actions taken within the project, and outreach activities aimed at schools.

“The Repopulation of the European Lobster in the Northern Lazio Seas as an Opportunity for Public Engagement” is a Third Mission project funded by the University through DM 737 funds and the Rome Technopole, aimed at evaluating the actions, both repopulation and dissemination, carried out from 2020 to 2024.

Local fishermen from the Civitavecchia and Montalto di Castro fleets, key stakeholders in the project, were involved and surveyed to assess their awareness of the CISMAR’s activities and whether they have observed positive outcomes from the lobster releases. The results indicate that the fishermen are well-informed about the project, appreciate its goals, and have noticed a greater abundance of the species in the more northern coastal areas, where the juveniles are released and the habitat is most suitable.

Since 2019, the released lobsters have been individually marked using molecular markers and are expected to have reached the minimum legal size for fishing by now. Testing the genotypes of lobsters captured from mid-2024 onwards will provide preliminary indications of their survival in the wild. This action offers another opportunity for public engagement with the fishermen, who will be invited to actively participate in verifying the success of previous efforts.

Additionally, the creation of a dedicated website for the lobster project serves as an outreach tool to a broader audience. For more information, check out this link.