Students at the Cadaqués institute-school in Girona are participating in a pilot project to rear catshark eggs accidentally caught by local fishers. The initiative, which started in January, combines environmental awareness with marine conservation efforts.
The project, set to run until the beginning of the next academic year, will see the hatched catsharks released into the wild. A total of 28 first-year ESO students are involved in various workshops. These activities range from collecting seawater and gathering data to filming a documentary about their work.
Protecting Local Marine Life
The catshark is a species found in the Cap de Creus area. While it currently lacks specific protection status, its population is significantly affected by accidental fishing, according to project organisers. The foundation Aletea launched the initiative.
This hands-on approach allows students to directly contribute to the preservation of local marine biodiversity. It also provides them with practical experience in scientific research and environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, the successful release of the young catsharks will mark a significant milestone for the project. Organisers hope the pilot scheme will expand, potentially leading to broader conservation efforts for vulnerable marine species in Catalonia.