Whilst we know Nemo was a clownfish and not a grouper, the sentiment behind “finding Nemo” perfectly captures Monaco’s mission to track and protect its marine life.
From September 30 to October 4, Monaco’s Department of the Environment will conduct its seventh monitoring campaign of Groupers and Corvines, two endangered species that inhabit the Principality’s coastline.
These underwater species have long been considered emblematic of the Mediterranean. However, due to factors like underwater hunting, their populations have significantly dwindled. Since 1993, both species have enjoyed a protected status in Monaco, and every three years, the Department of the Environment, in collaboration with the Groupe d’Etude du Mérou (GEM), carries out an extensive census along the coast. This year’s effort will mark 18 years of collected data, providing valuable insights into population trends and the effectiveness of conservation measures.
The GEM, a French association with over thirty years of experience, employs highly specific counting techniques for this census. Divers are divided into two teams and swim parallel along the coastline, carefully recording several parameters for each grouper or corvine they encounter. These include the fish’s estimated size, species identification, dive time, depth, habitat characteristics, and even behavioural observations like escape responses or indifference to human presence.
The meticulous process aims to provide a complete and accurate snapshot of the populations, offering critical data to assess whether protection strategies are working or need adjustment. As Monaco’s Department of the Environment notes, the ongoing monitoring of these species is not just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that future generations can still enjoy a thriving marine ecosystem along the Principality’s stunning coast.
While finding Nemo may be a light-hearted quest, finding and preserving real-life endangered species like the grouper and corvine is a serious endeavour—one that Monaco continues to champion through its commitment to marine sustainability and conservation.
