“Understanding the Sea – environmental education and marine biology”: the project involving the students of Lipari in fishing activities, to rediscover the ancient maritime traditions and promote sustainable fishing.
From May 7th to June 18th, at the school Lipari S. Lucia, a course was held for students of the secondary school aimed at the knowledge of the ancient marine arts of the Aeolian fishing and the enhancement of the fish stocks, as well as the dissemination of environmental issues related to the marine environment and its inhabitants.
The initiative is curated by Associazione Kurma, in partnership with the school Lipari S.Lucia
and the Wildlife Museum of the University of Messina. The project was funded by the Aeolian Islands Preservation Fund and the Blue Marine Foundation.
The aim of the project was to spread the knowledge of the marine sector and to focus on different issues such as the increase in population of fish species with low commercial interest, the rediscovery of ancient crafts, the revaluation of a series of ethno-anthropological maritime traditions, and finally the necessary rediscovery of an ecological conscience with respect to the preservation of the naturalistic marine heritage.
The course included theoretical lectures in the classroom that addressed issues such as the fundamentals of marine biology, the biology of protected species, and marine protected areas with a focus on conservation and the use of marine habitats and fishing within the Aeolian islands. Two practical modules have involved the fishermen of Lipari through lessons in the field with the demonstration of the positive characteristics of the most common artisanal boats and fishing gear, as well as lessons at sea with direct observations of the fishing operations.
The very valuable, educational experience allowed the students to approach the world of sustainable fishing through theoretical study and direct observation of fishing techniques of the Aeolian tradition, leading to a deeper understanding of the use of the most used fishing gear: purse seine, trammel, monofilament post net, totanara, polara, deriving longline, bottom longline, lampara.
The students could touch and see the most authentic aspects of sea life. The experience, the availability and the patience of the Puglisi family of fishermen gave unique emotions and at the same time allowed the children to understand the complex relationship between man and sea
The Captain of the Coast Guard joined the students during the practical lessons at the port and he congratulated us for the initiative.
Artisan fishing lessons in the field in Marina Corta with the fishermen from Lipari, within the project.
