Overview

• Two recreational scuba fishermen detected the unmarked net at 20 meters deep off Mascarat in early May and alerted conservation authorities.
• On June 6, professional divers from Fundación Oceanogràfic and park coast guards, supported by Altea fishing vessels, executed the coordinated removal under Servicio de Inspección Pesquera supervision.
• The operation documented impacts on more than 15 marine species, including IUCN-listed Sciaena umbra, Dentex dentex, Leptogorgia sarmentosa and Myliobatis aquila.
• This intervention showcased the effectiveness of interinstitutional cooperation among NGOs, regional agencies, inspection services and the fishing community.
• Fundación Oceanogràfic and the Generalitat Valenciana have committed to joint rapid-response networks and preventative measures against future ghost nets in the Mediterranean.