by InTrieste
A routine environmental monitoring mission in the Gulf of Trieste led to the startling discovery of a massive illegal fishing net, underscoring the ongoing threats to marine ecosystems in the northern Adriatic Sea. The operation, a collaborative effort involving the Trieste Port Authority, the staff of the Miramare Marine Protected Area, and researchers from the Shoreline cooperative, resulted in the partial recovery of the net, which spanned over two kilometers.
The discovery was made near the marine outfall of the Servola wastewater treatment plant. The fishing net, a highly durable trammel made of braided nylon with a mesh size of 20 centimeters, appeared to be in good condition and had likely been set just days earlier. Authorities believe it was intended for catching turbot and flounder. However, the area is a designated no-fishing zone, and the net’s lack of identification or proper marking classified it as an IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing device.
The net was first spotted by researchers conducting environmental DNA monitoring as part of the Interreg SeaInsights project. While retrieving what appeared to be a floating plastic bottle, the team aboard the fishing vessel Spaccamarirealized the bottle was tied to a line. As they began hauling it aboard, they uncovered the submerged net, initially unaware of its vast size.
“It became clear very quickly that this was not a routine find,” said a spokesperson from the Miramare Marine Protected Area. “The net’s scale was unprecedented in our recent operations.”
Authorities were immediately notified, and the Trieste Port Authority dispatched the CP 564 patrol boat to the scene. As the line attached to the improvised buoy was pulled aboard, the true extent of the net became apparent. The recovery operation, which began around 3:00 PM, required the use of specialized winches and continued into the evening. The team managed to recover approximately two kilometers of the net before halting efforts due to encroaching darkness and entanglements with the seabed. Further recovery operations are planned in the coming days, weather permitting.
Urgency Heightened by Endangered Dolphin
Complicating the mission was the presence of a solitary female common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), an endangered species in the Mediterranean. Known for its frequent appearances in the Gulf of Trieste, the dolphin’s proximity to the net raised concerns among the team. The animal’s behavior, typical of solitary dolphins seeking interaction with humans, included a repertoire of movements researchers recognized as communication attempts.
“Her presence was both a joy and a worry,” said one of the researchers. “We were acutely aware of the risk she faced if she became entangled.”
Fortunately, the dolphin maintained a safe distance from the net and even accompanied the vessels partway back to port before returning to open water.
A Coordinated Effort to Protect the Marine Environment
The operation highlights the critical need for vigilance and collaboration in preserving marine ecosystems. Illegal fishing gear, particularly when abandoned or lost, poses a severe threat to marine life as it can transform into “ghost nets,” trapping and killing sea creatures indiscriminately for years.
Authorities emphasized that the recovery operation’s success was due to the cooperation between various stakeholders. “This is a testament to the dedication of those working to safeguard our marine and coastal environments,” said a representative from the Trieste Port Authority. “The Gulf of Trieste is a precious and delicate habitat that requires constant vigilance to protect.”
As recovery efforts continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing marine conservation in the Adriatic Sea. For now, the Gulf’s endangered dolphin and other marine inhabitants have been spared further danger—but the fight to preserve their habitat is far from over.
