We are a vibrant international community of researchers and citizen scientists driven by a shared passion for the Mediterranean Sea and its resident sharks, skates, and rays. We are swimmers, divers, snorkelers, fishermen, and individuals from all walks of life who have come together to make a difference.
At MECO, we believe in the power of collaboration and the strength of our community. Across the Mediterranean Sea, dedicated researchers manage local chapters, utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook Groups, that are brought together by language, nation, or region. These local groups and the citizens who contribute their observations to them make us the diverse and interconnected network of people we are.
WHO WE
ARE
WHAT WE
DO
The MECO project is dedicated to transforming the way we gather data on the incredible diversity and distribution of sharks, rays, and skates in the Mediterranean. Our unique approach revolves around citizen scientists collaborating via existing social media platforms to share their elasmobranch sightings with our dedicated research teams who follow the MECO protocol.
By utilising established social media apps, we eliminate the need for additional installations, making it effortlessly convenient for everyone to participate while maintaining an organic and lasting connection with our community. We are dedicated to motivating and inspiring our community members by sharing research findings, educating about local species, and providing a reliable platform for information. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging, where every individual feels part of something greater and is strongly connected to the remarkable marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea.
Through our network of local chapters and unified collaboration, we continuously gather valuable data and insights about elasmobranchs across the Mediterranean. In partnership with esteemed organizations such as the EEA, WWF, and the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, our project’s data contributes to global and regional research efforts, driving science-based conservation policies.
Join us on our journey as we redefine scientific research and conservation initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea.