The monitoring has now started in Italian and Maltese waters in order to identify the endangered marine species-indicators.
On board the Ro-Ro Cargo ship “Eurocargo Venezia” of Grimaldi Lines, Dr. Alessandra Raffa, Sea Marvel observer, and Giuliana Pellegrino, Marecamp volunteer, Prof. Adriana Vella, coordinator of the Sea Marvel project at the University of Malta, set sail from Malta to monitor the stretch of sea between Catania and Malta. Data collection is essential for the development of the Biodiversity Strategy and the Marine Strategy.
The observers of the FLT Network, coordinated by Antonella Arcangeli from Ispra, have carried out an accurate data collection along the entire route, monitored for the first time ever by applying the fixed transect method. The presence of anthropic activities such as maritime traffic and fishing was reported, as well as marine species such as turtles, ichthyofauna and birdlife. The Maltese and Italian research units are adding important pieces of information to the research thanks to marine surveys carried out locally with the collaboration of specialized bodies on scientific vessels. In this regard, we would like to thank all the collaborators and all those who have contributed in their capacity to carry out cross-border monitoring activities: the External Relations manager, Paul Kyprianou, Captain Carmine Mezzo and First Officer Giuseppe Ricciato of the Grimaldi Group who kindly welcomed the observers on board.
