Save, Enhance, Admire Marine Versatile Life
The SEA MARVEL project aims to raise awareness of the risks of the marine ecosystem and mitigate the effects of plastic pollution, exploitation of marine resources, invasion of alien species and the effects of climate change in order to maintain and reactivate the marine ecosystem and Natura 2000 protected sites. The assessment of biodiversity in the Italian-Maltese Sea is crucial to better understand the impact of climate and environmental change in the Mediterranean. Field work will be carried out that will evaluate the presence and distribution of vulnerable indicator species, alien species and plastic waste at the selected Natura 2000 sites (AMP Cyclops Islands, AMP Pelagie Islands, AMP Capo Milazzo and RNO Foce Simeto in Sicily - Ghar Lapsi and Filfla Area and the area around the island of Gozo in Malta). The project's interventions will give the opportunity to develop direct experiences, in the form of competitions between the new generations, participatory actions for coastal communities for the development of sustainable management plans, and the launch of the "Sea Sentinels” service: monitoring with sailors, applying Citizen Science. The managers of Natura 2000 sites, environmental NGOs, professional artisanal anglers, municipalities, ministries of the environment and education will be supported, to improve their impact on Natura 2000 sites, reducing the loss of biodiversity with innovative equipment and devices, spreading knowledge and awareness among visitors and the neighbouring population. SEA MARVEL aims to help halt the loss of marine biodiversity in the cross-border area by improving the effectiveness of Natura 2000 sites, the awareness and knowledge of stakeholders about the precious and versatile marine life that needs conservation through participation in more responsible behaviour and the mitigation of serious impacts from plastic and alien species.