November 24, 2023
News
Virtu Ferries: key partner in spreading SEA MARVEL messages on the protection of the environment
With the ongoing efforts in supporting the conservation of the marine environment, SEA MARVEL has found a precious ally in Virtu Ferries, one of the leading ferry companies operating in the Strait of Sicily.
The dissemination activities planned by SEA MARVEL have reached a wide audience thanks to the involvement of passengers travelling onboard the modern fast ships of the Virtu Ferries group, which connect Pozzallo to Malta. Virtu Ferries’ focus towards the marine environment has been significant, especially starting from 19 July, when sea trips have been organised with the collaboration of the SEA MARVEL team, which set up on board hydrofoils and catamarans some areas to inform passengers about their initiatives. Through these engaging sessions, held by Alessandra Raffa and Carla Tumino of the University of Catania, passengers were informed on how to become real “Sentinels of the Sea”. In practical terms, they received information on how to recognize vulnerable species, such as cetaceans and sea turtles, and they were informed on how to contribute to the protection of such species by reporting sightings on the project website. Furthermore, they got to know the good practices that are useful to avoid marine contamination, and how to report any pollution episodes in our sea.
Each meeting ended with the distribution of SEA MARVEL-labelled gadgets both to passengers and ground staff at the Virtu Ferries office in Pozzallo, and its terminal in Malta. This initiative was welcomed with great enthusiasm on both sides of the Mediterranean, hence strengthening the shared goal of the protection of the marine environment.
A special thanks goes to James Vella, Guglielmo Puzzo, Jonathan Tabone and the whole Virtu Ferries staff for supporting SEA MARVEL’s message and for allowing it to reach a wide audience, contributing to the well-being of our sea and its species.
