Events and News

VI Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology and Biology in marine and insular environments

The Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology and Biology in Marine and Insular Environments was created with the aim of providing advanced training and scientific updating to master's students, doctoral students, researchers and technicians working in the environmental sector. The multidisciplinary training offer is developed through lectures and practical exercises, in the various themes of geological, biological and natural sciences applied to the coastal marine environment. Particular attention will be given to the new technologies used in the study of these ecosystems, characterized by high vulnerability and strongly influenced by the effects of climate change, given their position on the border between the marine and continental domains.

“GHOSTNETS”: nearly 3 tons of ghost nets removed and 52 thousand square meters of seabed restored in Sicily

The first marine ecosystem restoration operations included by the PNRR MER - Marine Ecosystem Restoration – Intervention A12 “GhostNets” have been completed

Every year, approximately 100,000 mammals and one million marine birds die due to entrapment in abandoned fishing nets or after ingesting the fragments they release into the sea. 86% of marine waste found on the seabed is attributable to fishing activities, with a clear prevalence of abandoned, lost or disused fishing lines, ropes and nets (ISPRA data). Ghost nets therefore represent one of the most insidious forms of marine pollution.
For this reason, ISPRA, the implementing body of the PNRR MER project, has entrusted the economic operators Fondazione Marevivo, Castalia Consorzio Stabile and CoNISMa, the National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, in the “GhostNets” operation, with the recovery of fishing nets and gear abandoned or accidentally lost at sea.

Innovative Technologies for Monitoring Marine Protected Areas

The DigitAP project dedicated to Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is getting underway, with the start of the delivery phase of the equipment intended for environmental monitoring of species and habitats and anthropic pressures.

This involves high-tech equipment, including two different types of drones: a first model equipped with a laser light LiDAR sensor, ideal for 3D mapping of the territory and submerged structures, and the other equipped with a multispectral probe, capable of detecting environmental parameters, including the characteristics of vegetation and water quality.

Blu Livorno. The Biennial of Sea and Water

As part of the Biennale del mare-Blu Livorno On May 14th, starting at 2:30 p.m., the conference "Marine biodiversity: 20 years of scientific and educational collaboration between Italy and China" will take place in the panoramic hall of the Livorno Aquarium. The conference is organized by ISPRA together with the Italian Embassy in Beijing and the University of Pisa, as part of the 3rd bilateral workshop on scientific research and advanced training applied to marine sciences, which will see the participation of professors from the Zhejiang Ocean University and a large delegation of students.

Monk Seal: Two Sightings in a Few Days

Over the past week, the monk seal, one of the species most at risk of extinction and strictly protected under the Habitats Directive, has been sighted in the waters between the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area and the Site of Community Interest of the Island of Capri.

ISPRA and the AMP Punta Campanella have started a collaboration to monitor their presence through non-invasive techniques, starting with environmental DNA analysis. The main cause of the reduction in the monk seal population is attributed to voluntary killing by humans and accidental capture with some fishing gear. But also to the repeated disturbance due to excessive human proximity to the places where they rest or where they reproduce and care for their young along the coast, which pushes the animals to abandon the most suitable sites. Understanding which sites they frequent most is of crucial importance to implement conservation actions and ensure the survival of the species.

Planet Sea Film Festival

The new edition of the Pianeta Mare Film Festival in Napoli, 7-11 October, was presented on March 17, with the first city stop at the University of Genova from 5 to 9 May 2025, on the occasion of the European Year 2025 dedicated to digital citizenship education. The Pianeta Mare Film Lab with smartphones and a 5-day artistic residency in Genoa for adult students under 30 and Cinematinée for school children will be realized thanks to and with the Pianeta Mare Darwin Dohrn cultural association and the University of Genoa, with the patronage of ISPRA and with Genova Blue District and Job Centre, Genova Elettra Car Sharing, Posidonia Green Festival, Outdoor Portofino, Alle ortiche APS, Blackwave Surf School.

ISPRA’s ‘Nautilus’ Discovers Coral Forests Among the Submerged Mountains of the Mediterranean

The images returned by the ROV revealed breathtaking scenarios: extensive colonies of red coral (Corallium rubrum) up to 900 meters deep, dense forests of pen corals (Funiculina quadrangularis) between 100 and 140 meters, and a surprising benthic biodiversity, with the presence of black corals (Antipathes dichotoma, Leiopathes glaberrima), white corals (Madrepora oculata, Desmophyllum pertusum), sponges and banks of oysters and giant barnacles.

Between land and sea. From disappearing sand to coastal erosion

Coasts are living, dynamic and vulnerable bodies, continually put to the test by erosion, rising sea levels and extreme events. Sand, an essential resource for beaches and seabeds, is becoming increasingly scarce and contested, fueling a global environmental crisis. Through knowledge of the delicate natural balances, the impact of human activity and climate change, the world of research is trying to define the most effective strategies to protect these fundamental natural bodies, indispensable for environmental and social well-being.

ISPRA participation in Science Festival of Rome

From 8 to 13 April 2025, the Rome Science Festival returns to the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone with its 20th edition.
Bodies is the theme of this edition.

When we talk about bodies, our first thought goes to human bodies, with their features, shapes and functions. Bodies that, through changes and adaptations, are the result of a long biological and cultural evolution. Which in turn has also influenced the perception of the body itself, which changes depending on society and historical periods, and constitutes the foundation of social interactions and cultural dynamics, since it determines what is considered attractive or acceptable

Life Conceptu Maris and A Ship of Books for Barcelona

On April 5, the scientists of the Life Conceptu Maris project will depart from Civitavecchia for Barcelona. This time, in addition to the usual monitoring of cetaceans and turtles, there will also be moments of scientific dissemination on board. The occasion is the event La Nave dei Libri (The Ship of Books), which brings readers and writers on board, bringing them together. During the crossing on April 6, the Italian students on board and the five European school delegations of the Erasmus+ "Desibook" project from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey will have the opportunity to meet the researchers on the passenger deck and learn how to spot dolphins, whales and sea turtles, directly overlooking the sea.

Manual for the application of Appropriate Assessment procedures in marine sites

ISPRA as part of the activities included in the project LIFE SEA.NET “Urgent actions for the implementation of marine Natura 2000 Network”  has carried out the "Manual for the application of Appropriate Assessment procedures in marine sites", which illustrates the results of one of the research actions of the project, coordinated by Legambiente. The document provides technical indications to support the writers of the Impact Assessments, the evaluators and the management bodies of the Natura 2000 sites, proposing methodologies for characterization, impact assessment and identification of specific mitigation and compensation measures for marine-coastal habitats and for marine species of community interest potentially affected by the construction of works and interventions at sea.

Course to recognize cetaceans and turtles

On the Life Conceptu Maris website there is a simple course available in four languages ​​to identify all the cetaceans and turtles of the Mediterranean Sea.

The course provides simple and interesting interactive videos that explain which species of cetaceans and turtles can be found in our seas, also giving useful indications to recognize them.

ISPRA is a partner of the Project.

World Whale and Cetacean Day: ISPRA and ARPA Sicily celebrate the sea with students

On the occasion of World Whale and Cetacean Day, on 21 February, ISPRA and ARPA Sicilia are organizing a day-event dedicated to the sea and to the students of the classes participating in the courses for transversal skills and orientation - PCTO 2024-25 DLands of ISPRA (Liceo B. Croce, Palermo) and the classes of the PCTO 2023-24 ReStreet (Address Construction, Environment and Territory of the M. Rutelli Institute, Palermo), at the Roosevelt buildings in Palermo. A path along 16 stations between the structures of ARPA Sicilia and ISPRA to explore the marine environment through science, history, art and literature, thanks to the participation of important research bodies such as CNR-IAS, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, INGV and the Superintendency of the Sea

The event is financed by the Scienze Together NET project, a European network that unites ISPRA with the main Research Institutions and Universities to promote scientific dissemination alongside scholars and researchers. Educational stations, laboratories and information points will be available with researchers and technologists from the participating institutions, exhibitions and exhibitions of scientific and historical finds

The PNRR-MER at the Eudi Show in Bologna: an "environmental restoration" to save our seabed from ghost nets

Ghost nets suffocate our seas. At the Eudi Show in Bologna, the most important event in Italy dedicated to the world of diving, Cecilia Silvestri of ISPRA, on 22 February, will illustrate the initiatives for the recovery of ghost nets envisaged in the PNRR-MER project, the largest PNRR program on the restoration of habitats and seabeds.

The recovery of ghost networks represents a true "environmental restoration". In fact, the technical underwater operators dive with meticulousness and respect towards the submerged heritage, freeing the seabed from abandoned nets that damage precious ecosystems.

The protection of marine ecosystems, the techniques for removing the so-called 'ghost nets' - missing or abandoned fishing tools that continue to trap marine fauna - will be at the center of the intervention of the ISPRA researcher. Thanks to the initiatives launched as part of the PNRR-MER project, the joint commitment of institutions, sector operators and volunteers, the aim is to recover and recycle these nets, thus giving new life to the seabed and protecting biodiversity.

TETHYS4ADRION project

Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation for Riverine Plastic Litter Reduction in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas
The TETHYS4ADRION project studies the role of rivers in the spread of plastic pollution in the Adriatic-Ionian region, and has the general objective of developing mitigation strategies in order to reduce the input of waste from waterways to the sea.
The project will develop operational solutions that combat river plastic pollution by restoring the integrity of river ecosystems. Best practices to address the problem will be identified, which will be tested and validated through the collaboration of all stakeholders involved in the pilot areas.

ISPRA is partner of the project

Environment and health: Research projects for sustainable development

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of ARTA Abruzzo, a study conference dedicated to the topic of environment and health will be held on Friday 24 January in Pescara, which will offer a space for discussion, open to all citizens, on ongoing initiatives and research to ensure a sustainable future, with particular attention to environmental protection and community well-being.

The Blue Crab containment plan presented to MASAF in the presence of ministers Lollobrigida and Pichetto Fratin

On 22 January at the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, the extraordinary commissioner for the Blue Crab, Pref. Enrico Caterino, accompanied by the Director of the Department for monitoring and protection of the environment for the conservation of biodiversity of ISPRA, Luigi Ricci , illustrated the contents of the "Intervention plan to contain and combat the phenomenon of the spread and proliferation of the blue crab species".

The result of joint work carried out with the technical support of ISPRA and with collaboration the National Research Council, CREA, Port Authorities, Ministries and territorial bodies of the Regions most affected by the emergency. The plan, with a total financing of 10 million euros - allocated in the Legislative Decree. Agriculture - for the two-year period 2025-2026, aims to protect the biodiversity of the affected habitats, contain and combat the proliferation of the invasive species, prevent further economic damage and promote the resumption of farming and fishing activities.

The Barcelona Convention: ISPRA at the practical training course for the conservation of cartilaginous fish of the Adriatic Sea and beyond

On January 21-23, the practical course on monitoring, identification and advanced research techniques for the conservation of cartilaginous fish in the Adriatic Sea was held in Vlore (Albania). Organized thanks to the joint efforts of UNEP-MAP (Barcelona Convention) and Sharklab ADRIA, and financed by MASE. Umberto Scacco and Massimo Dalù from ISPRA were present at the course under the expert guidance of Dr. Andrej Gajić from Sharklab ADRIA, and the supervision of the head of the SPA/RAC - Barcellona Convention, Lobna Ben Nakhla. During the course, samples of cartilaginous fish species of conservation interest from a marine area particularly rich in biodiversity in the waters of Vlora were analyzed.

New update of the ISPRA indicators database

More than 200 indicators from the ISPRA environmental indicators database have been updated, the objective is to promote greater environmental awareness and involve the scientific community, in particular that of environmental statistics and information, in the crucial environmental issues of our time.

The database of environmental indicators, organized into 39 environmental themes, with over 300 indicators (ISPRA core set), is the most complete collection of statistical data and information on the state of the environment in Italy created and managed by the Institute for the Protection and Environmental Research (ISPRA) in collaboration with regional agencies and autonomous provinces within the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA).

The indicators, classified under Environmental Themes, are structured in sheets containing descriptive information (metadata) such as, for example, the objectives to be achieved, the assessment of the state, the trend and data represented with graphs, tables and maps.

Blue Mission Project - Our sea our health

Implemented by ISPRA, in collaboration with APRE, in the context of the SLEs (STE(A)M Learning Ecologies) project, Blue Mission is a Living Lab path, at the I.C. school. Guicciardini of Rome, on the issues of sustainability of human activities in marine-coastal environments. The issues of sustainable aquaculture, marine pollution from plastic waste and the ecological beach model are explored in depth in an interactive and experiential manner and contextualised in a One Health perspective.

One Health represents an integrated approach that recognizes the interdependence between human, animal and environmental health and primarily aims to improve global health, prevent disease and promote collective well-being, contributing to sustainable development.

Webinar on Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD 2008/56/CE) – Update for the second implementation cycle

The sea resource is fundamental for ecosystem balances and for sustainable development, the role of governance tool of the European Marine Strategy Directive defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, Directive 2008/56/EC) fits into this framework. On 12 December, at 10 am, the third and final online meeting will be held whose focus will be dedicated to the presentation of the program of measures of the Marine Strategy, pursuant to art.12 Legislative Decree 190/2010, with the Update for the second implementation cycle , as required by art.7 Legislative Decree 190/2010.

The webinar will focus on the illustration of descriptors 1,2,5 and 10 of the European Directive.

Climate Change and Cetaceans in the Mediterranean: a strong reduction in the conditions suitable for the survival of some species is estimated in 25 years

The warming of the Mediterranean Sea is proceeding at a faster rate than the global average, putting all the species that live there at serious risk. Cetaceans are no exception, present with 11 regular species in the Mediterranean, which can respond to variations in climatic conditions by moving, but also conditioned by the distribution of their prey.

XIII edition of the Italy-China Week of Science, Technology and Innovation

On November 28th ISPRA will participate with a panel dedicated to the AQuaBios Project

The event takes place as part of the bilateral scientific and technological cooperation program between Italy and China. It is promoted by the Governments of the two countries through the Ministry of University and Research of the Italian Republic and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China.

Second webinar "The implementation of the Marine Strategy Directive"

Non-indigenous species and the role of citizen science

The Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and Federparchi, in collaboration with ISPRA, are organizing a series of 3 online meetings to disseminate the results of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD Directive 2008/56/EC) and future prospects.
The growing attention for the protection of the Sea, both by community and national institutions, requires moments of verification and in-depth analysis and it is important for protected natural areas to participate and share experiences.

Restoration of the deltaic and marine habitat, combating the proliferation of the blue crab, encouraging its use and consumption

The invasion of the blue crab in the Po Delta has upset the entire venericulture sector in the Upper Adriatic. The predator Callinectes sapidus has upset entire communities of women and men who lived directly or indirectly on clams and who, overnight, found themselves disarmed and unprepared to face an arduous, complicated and difficult challenge. Despite the honorable commitment of all institutions, trade associations, consortia, cooperatives and businesses, today there is a collective awareness that it is necessary to react promptly with dedication, commitment and sacrifices in order to pursue precise operational strategies, well aware of the need to coexist with this crustacean.

LIFE REEForest project: monitoring of grasslands in Cystoseira

At Punta Licosa, within the Santa Maria di Castellabate MPA (Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park), monitoring of the Cystoseira prairies was carried out from 4 to 8 November by ISPRA researchers. The intervention was carried out as part of WP4 of the LIFE REEForest project (Restoration of Cystoseira macroalgal FORESTs to enhance biodiversity along Mediterranean rocky REEFs), co-financed by the EU “LIFE21-NAT-IT REEForest/101074309”, aimed at restoration and habitat recovery in Cystoseira (Habitat 1170).

In particular, within the project, ISPRA carries out activities aimed at mapping the distribution and monitoring of the habitat in Cystoseira, processing high-quality images acquired using remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and other monitoring techniques along the coasts of the Park National team of Cilento Vallo di Diana and Alburni.

FAO-ISPRA international workshop for the implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning applied to Aquaculture

From 29 to 31 October 2024, the international workshop "Spatial management for aquaculture planning: Defining needs for assisting countries", jointly organized by FAO and ISPRA, will be held in Rome, at the FAO.

The event will bring together some of the main international experts from various countries around the world, ISPRA researchers (BIO-AMC Area) and FAO specialists, offering a unique opportunity for discussion and comparison for the definition of a Roadmap to facilitate planning processes maritime space applied to aquaculture.

The implementation of the Marine Strategy Directive

The Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and Federparchi, in collaboration with ISPRA, are organizing a series of 3 online meetings to disseminate the results of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD Directive 2008/56/EC) and future prospects.
The growing attention for the protection of the Sea, both by community and national institutions, requires moments of verification and in-depth analysis and it is important for protected natural areas to participate and share experiences.

The first of three meetings dedicated to the second implementation cycle of Directive 2008/56/EC carried out in the period 2018-2024 will be held on 25 October, 10 am.

The next two events will take place, again remotely, on 21 November on the theme "Non-indigenous species and the role of citizen science" and on 12 December on "Program and measures of the Marine Strategy, update of the second implementation cycle".

Project PROMETHEUS: ISPRA on board!

On 25 and 26 October, the kick off meeting of the Life natura PROMETHEUS project took place in Thessaloniki (Greece). Through a multilateral approach (use of systems to reduce accidental catches in professional fishing, deep involvement of the various stakeholders, valorisation of ecotourism, transition towards alien species as targets for fisheries with food value, etc.), the project proposes multiple objectives aimed at improving the conservation status of some emblematic species of Mediterranean cartilaginous fish. ISPRA, together with other national and international partners, is part of a large consortium, rich in experience and scientific excellence in the field of European research on cartilaginous fish, coordinated by Professor Emanuela Fanelli of the Polytechnic University of Marche.

First extraordinary data from the mapping of coastal habitats as part of the PNRR MER project

The first preliminary data of the PNRR MER "A16 – A18" project for the mapping of Italian coastal habitats have been acquired, available through the WebGIS Virgeo cartographic platform. The project is part of Mission 2 of the PNRR, dedicated to the "Green Revolution and ecological transition", and in particular in Investment 3.5, which aims to restore and protect the seabed and marine habitats.

The main objective is the detailed mapping of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa meadows, marine habitats fundamental for biodiversity. The project uses advanced technologies such as very high resolution satellite images, topographic and bathymetric LiDAR sensors, as well as autonomous vehicles (AUVs), to create a high resolution database useful for the management and protection of marine-coastal ecosystems.

Currently, the preliminary data visible on Virgeo concerns the Liguria region, where a complete dataset of satellite images was acquired from the Maxar constellation, with multispectral resolutions of 1.85 meters for the WorldView-2 satellite and 1.24 meters for the WorldView- 3. These images were processed using advanced algorithms to determine the reflectivity and map the Posidonia oceanica meadows. Furthermore, thanks to the innovative Satellite Derived Bathymetry technique, the bathymetry of the Ligurian coast was obtained