Funded under the LIFE program of the European Union, the project Conservation of Cetaceans and Pelagic Sea Turtles in Med Managing Actions for their Recovery in Sustainability (CONCEPTU MARIS) is dedicated to the protection and conservation of cetaceans and sea turtles in the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, particularly in the central and southern area.
The project, which began in January 2022 and is scheduled to end in January 2026, aims to address several areas. It plans to carry out mapping and identification of certain sites of particular importance to marine species, such as ecological corridors, hotspots for ecological processes, and areas at particular risk due to the accumulation of marine debris or because they are subject to maritime traffic. With regard to these last two elements, CONCEPTU MARIS also plans to develop a shared international approach for monitoring and assessing maritime traffic and marine debris. As part of the project, monitoring activities will also be carried out on species of interest, marine debris, and traffic by utilizing ferries operating in the study area as data-collection platforms and by integrating both traditional methods and innovative methodologies, such as the collection of environmental DNA, which can provide information on the presence and distribution of marine species.
In addition, the project will conduct an evaluation of the protection measures, in order to establish their consistency with the ecological needs of the species considered. It also aims to identify the best mechanisms for their conservation. Through these activities, the project will contribute to the Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive of the European Union.
CIMA Research Foundation is involved in all project phases and is also responsible for monitoring and data collection activities in the Pelagos Sanctuary area and for the realization of a training course dedicated to ships’ crews on marine biodiversity issues, in particular on the risk of collision with large vessels.
