Civitavecchia. The Executive Secretary of the GFCM, Miguel Bernal, was among the winners of the Premio Atlantide for the GFCM’s work in support of the sustainable use of fisheries resources, contributing both the protection of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea as well as its fishers and fish farmers.

Established in 2016, the Premio Atlantide aims to inspire a greater appreciation for the planet, foster an understanding of its biodiversity, and promote tangible actions for its preservation.

The Foundation Premio Atlantide behind this award is a non-profit organization with a multi-disciplinary scientific committee comprising individuals professionally and personally dedicated to the sea from researchers like Andrea Mucedola, an expert in breathing systems like Vittorio Bianchini, or a doctor specialized in hyperbaric medicine, Gerardo Bosco, to editors, journalists and documentary authors like Claudia Carrescia, Marina Cappabianca Alessandro Filippini, and Pippo Cappellano.

This year, five other persons were awarded the Premio Atlantide for their contribution to the promotion of the culture of the sea, to the diffusion of conscious and respectful behaviors of the marine ecosystem:

• Veselin Vesko Mijajlovic, senior trainer for underwater ordnance clearance operations;
• Stefano Lanfranco, creator and implementer of social rehabilitation projects through the teaching of sea crafts and the restauration of sailboats;
• Domenico Cubeddu (in memory), Italian Navy high-water diver, researcher of new apparatus at COM.SUB.IN. and development of binary mixtures in collaboration with the French Navy;
• Sabina Airoldi, science disseminator, researcher at Tethys Research Institute since 1987, additional member of the scientific committee of ACCOBAMS;
• and Barbara Davidde, underwater archaeologist, national superintendent for underwater cultural heritage.

"This is an award given to all people working within the GFCM to ensure the preservation of fisheries and aquaculture as a key economic, food security and cultural activity, crucial for coastal communities, and one of the most ecological food production systems when managed efficiently," said Miguel Bernal.

The award was also dedicated in memoriam to the late Mr Ziad Samaha, who devoted his time within the GFCM to promote the interlinkage between biodiversity conservation and the efficient management of fisheries and aquaculture.

Miguel Bernal ©Fondazione Premio Atlantide

Read more about the Prize on the Foundation’s official website.