A grouper (illustration) -

BARIL-PBI / SIPA

  • Fish have been fitted with electronic transmitters on the Catalan coast, as part of a study carried out by the universities of Perpignan and Barcelona.

  • The objective is to learn more about the movements of several species.

  • Scientists are appealing to fishermen and divers: if you find any of these connected fish, notify the laboratory that is conducting the study.

Astonishing connected fish have been plying the Catalan coast for several weeks.

As part of a study, carried out by the universities of Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales) and Barcelona (Spain), these wolves, barracudas, sea breams or groupers (but also lobsters) were fitted with transmitters, which will allow scientists to remotely follow their every move.

"The objective is to acquire knowledge on the life cycle of several species of fish, on a network of marine reserves, between France and Spain," says Philippe Lenfant, professor at Cefrem, the Center for Research and Development. training on Mediterranean environments, in Perpignan.

We will be able to understand where the nurseries for the juveniles are located, the breeding areas, whether there is movement between the French and Spanish areas, and vice versa, etc.

"

Define a strategy for a "sustainable management" of these species

This study should also make it possible to support the management of stocks of these species, some of which are particularly popular with fishermen.

From the Cerbère-Banyuls marine nature reserve, to the Medes Islands natural park, off the coast of l'Estartit, around sixty fish were collected, put to sleep and fitted with small transmitters, half a centimeter in diameter. , in the abdomen.

They were then released.

Eventually, 300 individuals will be marked in the two countries.

These beacons send acoustic signals to around a hundred hydrophones, placed at strategic locations on the Catalan coast.

Scientists will thus know, at precise dates and times, where the fish have passed, and will be able to map their movements.

"There is one number per fish, we know if they are young, old, or what species they are," resumes Philippe Lenfant.

We will be able to follow them for two years, the duration of the batteries.

"

At the end of this study, the data will be shared with stakeholders in the Mediterranean, fishermen, professionals or leisure, divers or those in charge of marine reserves, to define, together, a strategy for a "sustainable management" of these fish.

"The idea is not to put these species under cover, but that we can maintain these species over time", continues the researcher.

And if the fishermen or the divers of the Catalan coasts, in the coming months, come to observe or capture a fish equipped with external markings (yellow or blue), it is invited to contact the laboratory (04.68.66.20.97), for signal that he leaves the scope of the study.

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  • Languedoc-Roussillon

  • Spain

  • Perpignan

  • Barcelona

  • Mediterranean

  • Fish

  • Science