Torn nets, stolen fish, and a challenging coexistence between man and nature. In the seas of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, the problem is neither abstract nor remote: dolphins, particularly bottlenose dolphins, have become a fascinating yet harmful presence for many fishermen.
A theme that emerged forcefully at the recent meeting held at the National Park headquarters on Via Giulio Cesare, on the occasion of the signing of the collaboration agreement between the Authority and local fishermen, where the discussion shifted from the environmental and conservation value of the species to a more concrete and urgent aspect: the damage to fishing activities.
During the meeting, the fishermen discussed the problems caused by dolphins' interactions with fishing nets. Incidents of fish plunder and damage to equipment, in some cases extensive, directly impact the economic sustainability of work at sea.
According to recent estimates, there are over a thousand specimens present, especially during the colder season, when water temperatures and the drastic reduction in maritime traffic favor their approach to the coast. Added to these is a resident population of approximately two hundred individuals, several of which have already been counted and photo-identified through specific studies.
Giulio Plastina, director of La Maddalena National Park, spoke on the issue, acknowledging the scale of the problem: "Bottlenose dolphins, and dolphins in general, represent a critical issue felt strongly by fishermen, as they often damage nets. However, they are protected species: we must find a way to coexist. Dolphins live in their own sea, but we must also protect our fishermen, seeking to implement measures that can, if possible, compensate for the damage suffered."
Plastina also emphasized her appreciation for the intervention of a fisherman who proposed turning the presence of dolphins into a resource, exploring forms of fishing tourism: "The idea is to enhance their presence during the hauling of the nets, offering tourists the opportunity to see dolphins in action." However, the issue of damage remains central, far from marginal, and the Park is evaluating how to address it to concretely support operators in the sector. This support is supported by regional legislation, dedicated to compensation for damage caused by protected mammals. The law provides for the allocation of regional resources to compensate for damage to fishing operators' catches caused by dolphins, in accordance with European Union regulations that allow compensation in the fishing sector for damage caused by protected fauna.
