Monaco’s Environmental Department has enlisted the help of a team of divers from the Groupe d’Etude du Mérou in making a comprehensive inventory and head count of two of the Principality’s most emblematic native fish species. 

The Mediterranean grouper and corb were almost fished out of existence, but were saved from the brink of extinction when the species were granted protected status in 1993. 

Since 2006, the Principality has been keeping close tabs on its own populations of the fish and has invited the Groupe d’Etude du Mérou (GEM) to come and make an inventory of grouper and corb numbers every three years, with the goal of evaluating the effectiveness of the protective measures currently in place for these endangered species. 

The GEM’s latest survey of the Monegasque coast took place between 30th September and 4th October. The findings will now be compared against the last 18 years of collective data. 

To complete the sample, two teams of GEM divers descended several metres below the waves to find and track the fish. Once spotted, the divers noted certain characteristics, such as estimated size and length, dive time, depth and habitat, as well as whether the fish seem to prefer living around rocks, in sea grass or in scree, for example. They also recorded any noticeable behavioural traits, such as whether the fish flees or remains indifferent to the divers when they enter their space. 

To find out more info on the project, contact environnement@gouv.mc.

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Photo credits: Direction de l’Environnement