Monaco’s Department of the Environment is set to undertake its triennial survey of Groupers and Corvines, two endangered marine species along the Principality's coastline, from September 30 to October 4. This marks the seventh monitoring campaign, continuing efforts since 1993 when these species were first granted protected status in Monaco due to significant population declines from underwater hunting. The upcoming survey will extend the database to 18 years of observational data, aiding in the evaluation of population trends and conservation effectiveness.
The survey will be conducted in collaboration with the Groupe d’Etude du Mérou (GEM), a French association with over three decades of experience in marine studies. Utilizing precise counting techniques, divers will be split into teams to swim parallel tracks along the coast. They will record key data on each encountered grouper or corvine, such as size, species, dive time, depth, and habitat characteristics, as well as behavioral responses to human presence.
This meticulous effort is part of Monaco's broader commitment to marine sustainability and aims to provide a comprehensive view of the current status of these emblematic Mediterranean species. The collected data will help determine the efficacy of existing protection measures and whether any adjustments are necessary to ensure the continued vitality of the marine ecosystem along Monaco’s scenic shores.
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