Objective and activities

SEA MARVEL

Objectives and activities

The Sea Marvel project aims at reducing the loss of marine biodiversity in the cross-border area by improving the effectiveness of Natura 2000 sites. It contributes to raise awareness and spread knowledge among the stakeholders about the precious and versatile marine life that needs to be preserved, through participation with more responsible behaviours and the mitigation of serious impacts caused by plastic waste and alien species.

The outputs:

424,938 hectares of Natura 2000 sites monitored for indicator species, aliens species and plastic debris

Project Partners have been monitoring and sampling a total of 425 hectares across all Natura 2000 sites for alien, indicator species, biodiversity and plastics. Collaboration between LP and PP2 has led to the publication of a scientific manuscript on Hemiraphus far.

100 young people trained on up-to-date conservation techniques and technologies

PP2 has been training sessions and organising workshops to youths. Training sessions would also include sessions in the research laboratory at the University of Malta.

1 IT infrastructure to share data on monitored indicators

This infrastructure has been set up and is continuously maintained for use by project partners.

1 report with 6 management guides for Natura 2000 sites monitored

Partners are working with Natura 2000 sites managing authorities and major stakeholders to gather the necessary baseline information to devise appropriate management guidelines for all Natura 2000 sites. Fieldwork and new data collection from these Natura 2000 sites will be used for this report.

200 young students trained on NATURA 2000 sites to be subsequently involved in awareness-raising and dissemination activities

Sea Marvel will organize 2 workshops (in Malta and in Sicily) targeted to young students to create a new generation of environmental educators.

10 awareness-raising campaigns involving schools with the support of NGOs, and associated partners

11 schools in Malta have already been involved and engaged in awareness-raising activities and already reached out to around 1500 students through 35 SEA MARVEL educational sessions in schools. Sea Marvel will involve over 40 schools between Sicily and Malta and over 6000 students.

3 challenges organized to involve schools and create, at cross-border level, a common sense of belonging and care for marine resources as a common good

Sea Marvel will involve over 40 schools between Sicily and Malta and over 6000 students.

6 interventions to reduce the amount of plastic debris with the placement of “marine baskets” at selected Natura 2000 sites

Sea Marvel has purchased 6 Collect’thor that will be installed in the Natura 2000 sites involved.

15 schools adopting a “plastic free” protocol at cross-border level to reduce the use of plastics

Sea Marvel will involve 15 schools between Sicily and Malta to support them in a plastic free transition.

50 fishers to become Sentinels of the Sea

Project Partners are continuously working with fishermen from Sicily and Malta contributing to the action, Sentinels of the Sea. Over 40 fishers have already been involved during project activities.

3 ferry routes monitored and crews trained to become Sentinels of the Sea

3 ferry routes have been activated for monitoring: Catania – Malta, Porto Empedocle Lampedusa, Trapani – Pantelleria, and over 55 survey already accomplished. Soon also Pozzallo – Valletta will be active for awareness and dissemination activities.