Project in brief It is a general assumption that benthic communities* are relatively well preserved in areas exploited mostly by artisanal fleets. The richness of these communities depends on the presence of so-called ecosystem engineer species (corals, sponges or sea grasses), which provide a three-dimensional habitat structure and significantly increase biodiversity and productivity creating breeding, feeding and refuge locations for an important number of species of commercial value. The contribution of benthic communities to the conservation of sustainable artisanal fisheries is essential because these communities have a role as ‘Essential Fish Habitats’. However, trawlfishing can damage benthic communities: since engineer species are usually long-living and slowgrowing, any disturbance can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects. Against this threat ECOSAFIMED project will assess the impact of artisanal fisheries on shelf marine areas with low trawling pressure. The aim is to provide a package of scientificbased recommendations for an ecosystembased management of artisanal fisheries whose application will combine conservation of benthic habitats with exploitation of artisanal fishing sector. Specific objectives • To assess the impact of artisanal fishing on benthic communities • To maintain a good environmental status of benthic communities in the Mediterranean Sea while ensuring artisanal fishing industry in areas preserved from trawling pressure Expected Results: • Areas on the continental shelf with low trawling pressure identified • Local activities having potential interaction with benthic communities evaluated • Benthic communities’ health status in the study areas assessed • Technical knowledge transferred among project partners • Dialogue between different sea users - NGOs, municipalities, fishermen - strengthened • Artisanal fisheries management and benthic ecosystems conservation improved in 8 marine areas • Ecologically valuable areas for conservation to be proposed as Marine Protected Areas under EU directives, the Barcelona Convention and national schemes detected