The "Ecosystem conservation and sustainable artisanal fisheries in the Mediterranean basin (ECOSAFIMED)" project is part of the European Programme ENPI Mediterranean Basin (ENPI CBC MED 2007-2013) and its aim is to contribute to establish management guidelines based on sound scientific evidences to sustain an artisanal fishing industry in areas preserved from the trawling pressure ensuring the maintenance of acceptable practices compatible with the good environmental status of the benthic communities in the Mediterranean basin.