Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs) are areas designated by the GFCM to allow fish stocks to recover and to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. In these areas, fishing is prohibited or severely restricted. Often located in the high seas, FRAs can be the last refuge for biodiversity and offer shelter from predators for eggs and juveniles of both commercial and non-commercial species, sparing sensitive habitats from the impacts of bottom fishing.
The Otranto FRA hosts key habitats for commercial species and vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as the bamboo coral (Isidella elongata) and deep sea sponges, which are extremely vulnerable to bottom trawling. Closed to bottom fishing, the central area of the FRA is now the largest marine reserve created in the Adriatic Sea
Its rich seabed is home to white corals and deep sponge gardens, as well as to some of the most important colonies of bamboo coral in the Mediterranean. This endangered gorgonian plays a key role in forming species-rich colonies and supporting spawning and nursery grounds for commercial species, such as shrimp, hake and lobster, increasing marine biodiversity.
The Otranto Channel is also an important habitat for vulnerable or endangered species such as dolphins, turtles, sea evils and Cuvier's whales.
Its rich seabed is home to white corals and deep sponge gardens, as well as to some of the most important colonies of bamboo coral in the Mediterranean. This endangered gorgonian plays a key role in forming species-rich colonies and supporting spawning and nursery grounds for commercial species, such as shrimp, hake and lobster, increasing marine biodiversity.
The Otranto Channel is also an important habitat for vulnerable or endangered species such as dolphins, turtles, sea evils and Cuvier's whales.
In 2018, MedReAct and the Adriatic Recovery Project submitted a proposal for a FRA in the Otranto Channel to the GFCM. The proposal was discussed with stakeholders from the relevant fishing communities to collect and integrate feedback that - while maintaining the conservation objectives - could reduce the socio-economic impact of fishing restrictions.
An awarded short film produced by MedReAct in 2018 explores the crisis of the Adriatic Sea and potential solutions to recover fish stocks.
The "Last Fish of the Adriatic" campaign is launched in Italy in 2020
In 2020, over 100 scientists called on the Italian government to establish a Fisheries Restricted Area in the Otranto Channel.
Finally, in 2021, the GFCM adopts a roadmap for the establishment of the Otranto FRA.
The GFCM strengthens FRAs management measures.
Thanks to the support of the EU, the GFCM carries out a non-destructive sea survey that confirms the presence and distribution of bamboo coral in the Otranto Channel.
On November 6th, 2024, the GFCM voted unanimously for the establishment of the Otranto FRA!
