fishermen and scientists collaborate to know the red lobster

Off the coast of Bonifacio (Corse-du-Sud), is one of the emblematic species of the Mediterranean, the red lobster. In the fishermen’s boat, each catch is measured and then marked. A tag is affixed to the lobster, so that fishermen can contact scientists if it is fished out. This species is being studied because stocks have been declining for 30 years in the Mediterranean.

“These are studies that are currently being carried out, but we cannot be categorical that it is overfishing that is causing the lobster populations to drop.“, explains Marion Bouet, observer at sea, from the Office of the Environment of Corsica. The scientists collaborate with the fishermen. “These studies help us a lot, to know the fish populations“, says Damien Catoire, skipper. In the long term, the objective is to change practices and mentalities.