On 19 June 2026, the Italian National Research Council hosted a workshop in Mazara del Vallo in Western Sicily, bringing together fishers, policymakers, and researchers to discuss "Strengthening the Resilience of Marine Ecosystems through Innovative Technologies and Ecosystem-Based Approaches to Fisheries in the Strait of Sicily."

Dr. Grit Martinez from Ecologic Institute participated on behalf of SEA4FUTURE, representing the policy-related activities of the 4-year EU project led by Ecologic Institute. In her welcoming remarks, she highlighted that adaptive fisheries governance depends on combining fishers' knowledge and practical experience with scientific evidence, including stock assessments and bycatch monitoring. She also stressed the importance of fostering innovation by exploring new opportunities, such as the sustainable use of invasive species for human consumption, while strengthening the protection and sustainable management of key commercial stocks, including red shrimp.

The workshop showcased the value of collaboration among stakeholders in developing resilient and sustainable fisheries. With its strong culture of stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange, the Strait of Sicily represents an important case study for long-standing collaboration established between scientific institutions and professional fishers. Fishers contribute practical observations accumulated through daily fishing activities, while scientists provide quantitative assessments based on stock monitoring, ecosystem surveys, and analytical models. This interaction represents one of the strongest assets of the region and provides an example of co-management that may serve as a reference model for other Mediterranean fisheries.