The Mediterranean sea and its fisheries have been economically and socially important since ancient times, and hold unique biodiversity and marine populations including endemic and critically endangered species such as the Mediterranean monk seal. Yet marine protected areas across the region are few, and some forms of fishing continue within them, highlighting the need for enhanced conservation policies to strengthen marine resilience in the face of climate change. Monitoring fish populations constitutes a critical first step in preserving and rebuilding the Mediterranean’s unique and rich marine biodiversity.
On the sidelines of Monaco Ocean Week (20-26 March 2023), Community Jameel hosts a private reception at Monaco's Supernature to showcase BRUVS Monaco, baited remote underwater video systems developed by Blue Abacus. BRUVS is a pioneering technology used to film, count and analyse populations of fish and other marine species in Monaco’s waters, both inside and outside marine parks. The valuable information harvested by BRUVS will underpin ongoing marine wildlife management and is an important first step in rebuilding Mediterranean fish populations.
Launched in January 2023, by a consortium comprising the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Community Jameel, the Monégasque Association for the Protection of Nature and Blue Abacus, the technology company of Professor Jessica Meeuwig, a pioneer marine scientist based at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia, the project marks one of the first times this technology has been used in the Mediterranean Sea.
