Fishermen Recognized the Importance of Sustainable Fishing
TURTOSave traps distributed in Brist
An informational and promotional gathering organized by the Local Fisheries Action Group “Malo misto” was held on 17 April 2026 at the “Kačić” Cultural Centre in Brist, where local fishermen received TURTOSave traps – an innovative fishing tool developed by experts within the LIFE for Mauremys project with the aim of reducing the accidental capture of native freshwater turtles. The distribution of the traps marks the continuation of a successful collaboration that began in August 2025, when the traps were donated to the Local Fisheries Action Group.
The fishing gear was specifically designed to enable effective capture of target species while simultaneously reducing negative impacts on the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems. Since the beginning of the project, we have been developing active cooperation between scientists and local fishermen through knowledge exchange, the development of sustainable fishing practices, and the joint promotion of responsible natural resource management. By using these traps, fishermen actively contribute to the conservation of protected species and demonstrate how fishing practices and nature conservation can work together.
Ana Gavrilović, representative of the LIFE for Mauremys project and expert from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, presented the development of the TURTOSave traps to the participants. She emphasized that the traps are the result of years of research and field testing carried out within the LIFE for Mauremys project, during which their effectiveness in catching invasive species, particularly the blue crab, was confirmed, alongside a significant reduction in the accidental capture of European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata).
The strong turnout of participants from various stakeholder groups once again demonstrated how important the topics of sustainable fishing, protection of natural resources, and development are to the local community.
