B-USEFUL MEDIA – Behind the MEDITS Survey

Ever wondered how marine biodiversity data is collected across the Mediterranean?

Our latest video takes you behind the scenes of the MEDITS survey, an annual scientific campaign that has monitored demersal fishery resources and ecosystems since 1994.

How does it work?

The survey uses bottom trawling, which remains the most effective and standardized method to directly estimate the abundance, distribution, and structure of over 80 commercially important species. These data are crucial for stock assessments and help inform sustainable fisheries management at the regional level.

Minimising impact

To reduce ecological disturbance, MEDITS applies short trawl durations and small nets, ensuring minimal disruption to the seabed while still gathering high-quality scientific data.

What happens on board?

The video shows the full process:

  • Deployment of bottom trawl gear

  • Sorting and identifying species

  • Measuring, weighing, and recording biological data

Beyond stock assessments, this effort provides essential input for ecosystem-based approaches. The data support studies on biodiversity, community structure, trophic interactions, and ecosystem modelling—feeding into regional conservation strategies and tools like B-USEFUL.

All activities are conducted by national research teams following a standardised protocol, making the results comparable across the Mediterranean Sea.

Watch the video to see marine science in action and better understand the data behind B-USEFUL:

Video production
This behind-the-scenes look at the MEDITS survey was prepared by Alicia Gran Garcia, PhD student at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC) and member of the B-USEFUL project team.

We thank Alicia for helping us bring marine biodiversity fieldwork closer to our audience!

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