LIFE OASIS is an EU co-funded initiative dedicated to marine turtle protection, sustainable fisheries, and the resilience of coastal communities across the Mediterranean.
The project fosters collaboration to drive meaningful change in marine conservation and fishing by bringing together scientists, fishers, navigators, and conservationists.
It also works closely with Maltese fishers to refine traditional techniques, mainly through anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (aFADs), making lampuki fishing more efficient, environmentally responsible, and profitable for local fishing communities.
Empowering Maltese Fishers
It was explained that LIFE OASIS will allow lampuki fishers to adopt cutting-edge technologies that enhance sustainability while securing their livelihoods.
Smart buoys equipped with echo sounder sensors enable real-time monitoring of fish stocks, optimisation of resource use, fuel consumption reduction, and operational efficiency improvement.
Additionally, developing aFADs, designed with and for fishers, minimises bycatch, extends equipment durability, and reduces entanglement risks for marine turtles. These innovations align with LIFE OASIS objectives to mitigate the impact of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in the Mediterranean while ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for fishing communities.
Nature Trust Malta said that by modernising fishing practices, the project enhances marine conservation and helps sustain the livelihoods of small-scale fishers who rely on healthy fish stocks for their economic well-being. Investing in sustainability supports their long-term prosperity while fostering a balance between environmental preservation and economic stability.
Dr. Alicia Bugeja Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture, will inaugurate the Guardians of the Ocean Conference on the 3rd of April, at the Xrobb l-G?agin Park and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Marsaxlokk.
This conference will welcome over 40 fisheries and sea turtle experts, including fishers.
The conference will host leading international experts who will discuss approaches to marine conservation. Key topics include the impact of aFADs on fisheries, the “oasis effect” in marine ecosystems, and citizen-driven conservation initiatives. A panel featuring Malta, Spain, and Italy conservationists will explore regional cooperation in protecting vulnerable species like sea turtles.
Addressing challenges such as ghost fishing and bycatch mitigation, LIFE OASIS is committed to safeguarding marine biodiversity while strengthening coastal communities’ economic and social fabric reliant on sustainable fisheries.
“We are proud to launch LIFE OASIS in Malta, a nation dedicated to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries,” said Vincent Attard, Director of Nature Trust Malta. “This conference provides a vital platform for dialogue and collective action toward a thriving Mediterranean marine ecosystem that benefits nature and the people who depend on it: the fishery sector.”
About Guardians of the Ocean: A United Effort for Marine Conservation This initiative cements Malta’s leadership in marine conservation, fostering collaboration between fishers, scientists, and conservationists.
At its core, LIFE OASIS “recognises the invaluable knowledge of fishers, ensuring that their expertise shapes the future of sustainable fishing practices. By building trust and long-term partnerships, the project supports local communities, secures economic stability for fishers, and protects marine biodiversity, ensuring a resilient Mediterranean for generations to come.”
Photo: LIFE Oasis Project