Joint management of marine biodiversity through the RESMED+ project

The Pyrenean coast in danger from overexploitation 

RESMED+ studies key habitats and new species to design conservation measures 

The RESMED+ project has been launched with the aim of improving the management of marine biodiversity on the Mediterranean coast of the Pyrenees area. This initiative, promoted by the Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences of the University of Barcelona, is based on the results of the RESMED project (2019-2022) and seeks to expand the scope of study and conservation actions to include new key species and habitats. 

With the participation of several French and Spanish institutions, RESMED+ works for an integrated management of biodiversity, essential in an area of high fishing and tourist pressure such as the Pyrenean Mediterranean coast. This region hosts a wide variety of habitats, including underwater canyons, seagrass meadows, estuaries and lagoons, and anthropogenic habitats (ports, artificial reefs) all of great ecological and socioeconomic value. Despite the management efforts that are dedicated in this area, a coordinated management between countries and departments could further enhance the conservation and sustainable exploitation of resources. 

Expanding the scope of conservation 

RESMED+ seeks to deepen the knowledge of the connectivity of habitats used by mobile species, such as sharks and rays, which cross administrative boundaries and move through different marine environments throughout their life cycle. The study of these movements and the relationship between species and habitats will help to identify critical areas for the reproduction and growth of juveniles, which is essential for designing a network of protected habitats and ecological corridors. 

The initiative is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg VI-A Spain-France-Andorra program (POCTEFA 2021-2027). POCTEFA seeks to strengthen cross-border cooperation between these countries for an integrated and sustainable management of common resources. 

Cross-border collaboration for a more sustainable coastline 

With the University of Perpignan as leader, the RESMED+ project brings together multiple partners, such as the General Directorate of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs of Catalonia, the French Observatory of Biodiversity and several natural parks in the region. These bodies, together with recreational fishing and marine conservation entities, work to ensure that protection and regulatory measures are adapted to the ecological needs of the region and promote a more sustainable exploitation of marine biodiversity.