In Vlora Bay and Orikum, Albania, the existence of sharks and rays is increasingly threatened due to bycatch and a general lack of awareness among fishers and consumers.
To raise awareness about their conservation, Voices of the Deep was launched—an initiative by the Royal Albania Foundation, supported by SPA/RAC, the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) as part of its support to the 2024–2025 UNEP/MAP Work Programme, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the FishEBM Med project.
The initiative is carried out through multi-level actions, mainly focused on communication tools.
Information and awareness can indeed promote more sustainable practices and help foster a better understanding of the threats these species face and their ecological role.
In this context, a 7-minute educational video was produced featuring footage from the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Protected Area and interviews with local fishers. The video was broadcast on national television and widely shared on social media.
In addition, two large public events were held in Orikum and Vlora, bringing together fishers, youth, NGOs, and local authorities. Participants discussed threats to sharks, shared their experiences with accidental catches, and explored co-management solutions.
Over 1,200 students took part in interactive sessions, and educational activities were also organized in schools and visitor centers. These materials are expected to reach over 5,000 young people in the coming year.
More than 1,000 flyers, posters, and a visual guide for fishers were produced and distributed in schools, markets, and fishing centers. A bilingual social media campaign further amplified the project’s message, reaching thousands of people across Albania.
You can find the video here