Events and News

Keel laying and coin ceremony mark the start of construction for Arcadia, ISPRA’s largest oceanographic vessel.

The keel of the new oceanographic vessel Arcadia, destined for the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), was laid today at the Piombino Industrie Marittime (PIM) shipyard. With this symbolic gesture—accompanied by the traditional coin-laying ceremony—the construction of the vessel has officially begun. The build has been entrusted to the T. Mariotti shipyard, part of the Genova Industrie Navali Group.

The coin-laying ceremony, an ancient maritime tradition, involves placing a few coins beneath the ship’s keel as a good-luck charm, wishing safe voyages and protection for the crew and all who will work on board. It is a simple yet deeply meaningful act that has accompanied the birth of new vessels for centuries—and in this case, of a ship dedicated to studying the very sea that will support it.

Approximately 70 meters long and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Arcadia will serve as a next-generation scientific platform for the study and protection of the marine environment. Thanks to autonomous underwater vehicles (ROVs) capable of operating at depths of up to 4,000 meters, modular laboratories, and dedicated spaces for researchers, the ship will enable monitoring, mapping, and research missions on marine and coastal ecosystems, contributing to the understanding of deep-sea habitats and the protection of biodiversity.

The project is part of the PNRR MER – Mission 2 “Green Revolution and Ecological Transition,” Italy’s most comprehensive national program for marine conservation and the strengthening of environmental research. For ISPRA, this represents both a strategic investment and a responsibility: to place science and knowledge at the service of the country, enhancing the ability to observe, understand, and protect the Mediterranean in the context of climate change and ecological transition.

The keel-laying ceremony for Arcadia was attended by ISPRA’s Director General, Maria Siclari.

Photo gallery

World Tsunami Awareness Day

Promoting a culture of information and prevention as a key focus for tsunami risk mitigation. This is the goal of World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD), an annual event established by the United Nations in 2015, which highlights the importance of the topic every November 5th.

On this occasion, the National Tsunami Warning System (SiAM), consisting of the Department of Civil Protection (DPC), the Tsunami Warning Center of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (CAT-INGV), and the National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), renews its commitment to mitigating tsunami risk along the Italian coast and contributing to the safety of coastal communities in the Euro-Mediterranean Area (NEAM).

Presentation of the Europe's Environment 2025 Report, the State of the Environment Report, and the SNPA Environment Report

On October 28, 2025, in the Sala della Regina of Palazzo Montecitorio in Rome, a national event will be held to jointly present three major reports on the state of the environment: Europe's Environment 2025 (European Environment Agency), State of the Environment in Italy 2025: Indicators and Analysis (ISPRA), and the SNPA Environment Report 2025 (National System for Environmental Protection).

The event will offer an integrated and up-to-date overview of key environmental dynamics, from the European, national, regional, and autonomous provinces perspectives.

The three reports present data, indicators, and analyses that enable us to understand current trends, identify emerging critical issues, and understand the responses adopted in different contexts.

These are essential tools for providing the scientific community, institutions, and citizens with reliable and comparable information capable of guiding future decisions towards sustainability. Not just a snapshot of the state of the environment, but also a thoughtful reflection and a solid basis for discussion on the priority challenges to be addressed.

Three complementary perspectives will offer a coherent and authoritative vision of the state of the environment in 2025.

Press release (ita)

Environment report in Europe 2025

The state of environment in Italy 2025

Environmental indicator data base ISPRA 

Program

Pollution, an integrated sea-coast response. Meetings for managing level 2 emergencies.

As part of an agreement between MASE and ISPRA, a project has been launched to explore the operational synergies arising from the "MiTE Anti-Pollution Plan" and national and local planning, which address the response methods, at sea and on the coast, in the event of accidental pollution caused by spills of petroleum products and hazardous and noxious chemical substances (HNS).

Published EEA Report Europe's Environment 2025

Despite significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, the overall state of the environment in Europe is not good, particularly with regard to nature, which continues to suffer from degradation, overexploitation, and biodiversity loss, as well as from the acceleration of climate change, which poses an urgent challenge.

These are the conclusions of the Report Europe's Environment  2025, published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report provides the most comprehensive analysis of the current state and outlook for the environment, climate, and sustainability on the continent, based on data from 38 countries. The outlook for most environmental trends is alarming and poses serious risks to economic prosperity, security, and quality of life in Europe.

Farming the Sea

The educational workshop is an immersive experience on the topic of sustainable aquaculture. It explores the opportunities and purposes of aquaculture (e.g., food production; conservation of threatened species), the environments, techniques, and aquatic species farmed. It also addresses the interactions between aquaculture and marine ecosystems in a changing climate.

Recommended: from age 8 and up.

The European Researchers' Night 205

This year, ISPRA is participating in the European Researchers' Night, along with other public research institutions and universities.
The initiative, which will take place across Europe on September 26 and 27, will be an opportunity to introduce citizens to the world of scientific research and discover the activities and results of public research on current topics.

Life Project Prometheus: Magnetic Deterrent Testing Begins

As part of the testing of magnetic deterrents planned by the Life Prometheus consortium for the reduction of pelagic shark and ray bycatch on longlines, a team of ISPRA researchers embarked on three professional pelagic longline fishing vessels to conduct the first of five campaigns planned for the project. The preliminary results are encouraging, indicating both the effectiveness of the magnets in reducing shortfin mako shark bycatch and the non-interference of the devices with commercial catches of swordfish and bluefin tuna, typical prey of this type of fishery. ISPRA represented Dr. Umberto Scacco, Dr. Barbara Catalano, Dr. Tomaso Fortibuoni, Dr. Danilo Scannella, Dr. Claudia Sebbio, and Dr. Luca Stellati.'

Summer School Marine-coastal ecosystems and climate change: chains of connections and resilience

As part of the School of Specialization in environmental disciplines, ISPRA organizes in Cagliari, from 22 to 26 September 2025, the Summer School “Marine-coastal ecosystems and climate change: chains of connections and resilience”, aimed at 45 participants including graduates, PhD students and young researchers.
The initiative aims to provide a practical approach to the sustainable management of the coastal strip, encouraging dialogue between universities and applied research.
The activities will take place in various institutional locations with frontal lessons; educational workshops and technical-scientific visits to some coastal sites are planned.

The call and the registration link will soon be available on the ISPRA website.

Protection tools for the sea: the second stop on the SEA.NET tour in Palermo.

The LIFE SEA.NET project's journey to disseminate the new Manual for the Application of V.Inc.A Procedures in Natura 2000 Marine Sites, an innovative tool designed to protect Italy's most fragile marine ecosystems, passes through Palermo.

ISPRA inaugurates the sixth edition of the Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology and Biology in marine and island environments

A laboratory for students, PhD candidates, graduates, and young researchers that combines advanced training, interdisciplinary research, and policies for the protection of marine resources.

The sixth edition of the Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology, and Biology in Marine and Island Environments was officially opened in the presence of the Mayor of Procida, the Director General of ISPRA, Maria Siclari, the Director of the Regno di Nettuno Marine Protected Area, the Director of ARPA Campania, Stefano Sorvino, the representative of the Italian Geological Society, Fabiano Gamberi, the Director of the Vivara State Nature Reserve, Nicola Scotto di Carlo, and Giordano Giorgi, Head of the ISPRA National Center for Environmental Characterization and Coastal Protection, Marine Climatology, and Operational Oceanography. The event is promoted by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Chieti-Pescara.

As per tradition, the aim of the event is to provide advanced training, hands-on field experience, and opportunities for exchange between young researchers and professors from different institutions.

VI Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology and Biology in marine and insular environments

The Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology and Biology in Marine and Insular Environments was created with the aim of providing advanced training and scientific updating to master's students, doctoral students, researchers and technicians working in the environmental sector. The multidisciplinary training offer is developed through lectures and practical exercises, in the various themes of geological, biological and natural sciences applied to the coastal marine environment. Particular attention will be given to the new technologies used in the study of these ecosystems, characterized by high vulnerability and strongly influenced by the effects of climate change, given their position on the border between the marine and continental domains.

ISPRA joins the LIFE MAPPER Project

Guidelines for MAPping, ProtEcting, and Restoring Marine Ecosystems

LIFE MAPPER initiative seeks to consolidate current knowledge and best practices in marine habitat mapping and restoration

MER Project – Coastal Mapping: Exploring the Submerged Wonders of the Baia Archaeological Park

Just off the coast of Naples, beneath the tranquil waters of Baiae, lies one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating underwater treasures: the Baiae Underwater Archaeological Park. This unique site offers an extraordinary glimpse into ancient Roman civilization, now lying between 5 and 13 meters below sea level.

Once a luxurious resort for the Roman aristocracy, Baiae was renowned for its opulence and thermal baths. Over the centuries, volcanic activity and coastal subsidence gradually caused part of the city to sink beneath the sea. Today, the underwater park preserves the remains of Lacus Baianus and Portus Julius, two important ports of the Roman Empire. To the west, the port of Cape Misenum served as a base for the Roman imperial fleet.

Undersea mountains: treasure troves of biodiversity and natural laboratories for geological research.

Due to their ecological importance and vulnerability to human impacts, seamounts are a priority for marine conservation. These submerged mountains are true biodiversity hotspots, with unique ecosystems home to coral forests, sponges, invertebrates, and numerous fish species.

From a geological perspective, seamounts are of extreme interest for several reasons: the potential presence of geomineral resources, such as strategic mineral deposits; geothermal energy sources, resulting from underwater volcanic activity; and the assessment of the risk of seismic events and landslides, which can affect the stability of the seabed and coastal areas.

The geophysical surveys conducted during the PNRR MER oceanographic campaign provide an essential knowledge base for planning further exploration campaigns. Thanks to the use of sustainable research methods, it will be possible to further study these environments while minimizing the impact on deep-sea ecosystems.

The MER Project at Expo Osaka 2025 among Italian maritime excellences

The sea is one of the key topics of Expo Osaka 2025, under the theme “Designing the future society for our lives,” which will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
On July 22nd, within the celebrations of the World Maritime Day in Japan, the Department for Maritime Policies (Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Italy) is organizing the event "Celebrating the Sea as a Source of Knowledge and Sustainability" at the Italian Pavilion’s Auditorium. The event is dedicated to promoting maritime excellence such as the ocean economy and scientific research. ISPRA will be among the main actors of the afternoon session with the presentation of the PNRR MER Project (Marine Ecosystem Restoration) and the implications for the blue economy, just a few days after the inauguration of the new oceanographic vessel Arcadia with which the Institute has renewed its commitment to marine protection by deploying a top-notch scientific infrastructure at the service of research, the environment, and the community.

The monk seal in the seas of Campania

What to do in case of sighting?
The event is organized as part of the Life Sea.Net Project coordinated by Legambiente. The ISPRA researchers together with the staff of the Marine Protected Area Regno di Nettuno and Punta Campanella will share curiosities about the monk seal and illustrate the best practices to follow in case of sighting of specimens in our seas.

ISPRA’s new oceanographic vessel: up to 4000 meters deep to overcome the challenge of climate change

On July 15, the ISPRA Major Oceanographic Vessel will be presented at the Chamber of Deputies: not just a new research infrastructure, but the concrete symbol of a collective commitment to the sea, to science, to future generations. The vessel represents one of the key interventions of the Marine Ecosystem Restoration Project (MER), the largest investment envisaged by the PNRR for the protection of the marine environment: 400 million euros intended to protect and restore fragile ecosystems, starting with those that are submerged, invisible and mostly unknown. A project of great national scope, with ISPRA as the implementing body and the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security as the titular administration.

ISPRA's MER Project on Special Tg1

"Marine Ecosystem Restoration" is the title of the Tg1 Special broadcast on July 13th, entirely dedicated to the PNRR "Marine Ecosystem Restoration" project.

Alien species in our seas

The Mediterranean Sea's biodiversity is constantly evolving, colonized by species expanding their ranges and arriving through natural corridors, such as the Strait of Gibraltar, and by non-native or alien species introduced by human activities or arriving through artificial corridors such as the Suez Canal. Some of these species can also pose a threat to human health, being toxic to eat or poisonous upon contact.

To help marine life recognize new species that can potentially be observed and fished in our seas, including those that pose a threat to human health, a brochure has been created, an updated version of the 2021 edition.

Any reports sent to researchers will also help monitor the distribution and spread of these species in our waters.

International Day of the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean is a sea of ​​wonders, history, culture and beauty to be protected and enhanced: a heritage that is celebrated on July 8 through the International Day that bears its name. With the MER (Marine Ecosystem Restoration) Project of the PNRR, ISPRA is building a laboratory to map, restore and protect one of the richest - and most fragile - marine ecosystems on our planet with the aim of safeguarding its biodiversity and handing it over to future generations. The MER Project, the largest project on the sea within the "National Recovery and Resilience Plan", sees the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security as the titular administration and ISPRA as the sole implementing body. The project includes 37 lines of activity, to be carried out by June 30, 2026, throughout the national territory divided into three pillars: the restoration and protection of the seabed, the strengthening of marine and coastal observation systems and the mapping of coastal and marine habitats of conservation interest.

3D mapping of the SS Samuel J. Tilden wreck off the port of Bari

Complex 3D underwater photogrammetric survey operations of the wreck of the SS Samuel J. Tilden are underway in the waters off the port of Bari. The project is the result of a collaboration between ISPRA (Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), the Carabinieri Subacquei units of Rome and Pescara, the Naval Carabinieri Service of Manfredonia, and the University of Siena – Department of Historical Sciences (LAPE&T LAB).

PNRR MER - Mapping of Seamounts in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea

Geophysical prospecting and sampling of small portions of sediment are underway for the mapping and topographic reconstruction of the underwater mountains, the subject of the PNRR-MER project. The surveys are preparatory to identifying areas where ROV dives can be carried out, to characterize the fauna present at great depths.

ISPRA and Sapienza University of Rome together on the oceanographic vessel NG SURVEYOR of NextGeosolution, to study the underwater seamounts of the Italian seas

The recent geophysical campaign conducted by ISPRA within the PNRR-MER project, SEAMOUNT Intervention (A14) has revealed the presence of unique morphological structures off the coast of Pantelleria, in the Strait of Sicily. The geophysical surveys, conducted using advanced technologies such as the multibeam echo sounder and the sub-bottom profiler, have allowed to identify "pockmarks", sub-circular depressions that extend for about 1 km at the base of the seamount "Pantelleria SW", at a depth of about 300 meters

EEA Report on European bathing water quality: most of them are safe

According to the latest European bathing water assessment for the 2024 bathing season over 85% of monitored locations met the European Union’s most stringent ‘excellent’ bathing water quality standards, while 96% of all officially identified bathing waters in the EU met the minimum quality standards. 

Press tour of the Life SeaNet project on the island of Montecristo

ISPRA participated today in the Press Tour of the Life Sea.Net project, which took place at the Site of Community Interest of the Island of Montecristo. During the tour, journalists were able to visit the site, learn more about topics regarding the management of Natura 2000 Sites and some of the activities carried out within the project.

The project Life Sea.Net coordinated by Legambiente and which benefits from the participation of ISPRA as the main scientific partner, it aims to improve the management of the marine sites of the Natura 2000 Network and to increase knowledge of the Network and its role in the conservation of marine biodiversity. To provide concrete contributions to improving management, ISPRA has created some operational tools during the project that are part of a real "toolkit" : Handbooks for monitoring species and habitats of Community interest (EU Directives 92/43/EEC and 09/147/CE) in Italy: marine environment and Manual for the application of Appropriate Assessment procedures in marine sites

Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area: the ELPIS II wreck

In April, during a series of aerial survey operations for the mapping and characterization of coastal habitats along the entire Italian coast at very high resolution, a new survey of the ELPIS II wreck was carried out, confirming a well-preserved and still intact structure.
The wreck had already been identified by ISPRA using underwater photogrammetry and multibeam surveys, in collaboration with the Carabinieri Subacquei units of Rome and Messina.
Sunk in 1978, the ELPIS II lies on the seabed within the Marine Protected Area of ​​the Egadi Islands, southwest of Isola Formica. The wreck is located at a depth of 16 meters, with the shallowest point just 8.5 meters from the surface. It rises about 8 meters from the seabed and measures approximately 53 meters in length by 11 meters in width.

World Environment Day 2025

The World Environment Day 2025 has been celebrated since 1972 and is the United Nations’ main vehicle for encouraging global awareness and action for the environment.
This year’s theme for World Environment Day is plastic pollution, which permeates every corner of the planet, even in our bodies in the form of microplastics. World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution.
Drawing inspiration from nature and presenting concrete solutions, the campaign will encourage individuals, organizations, industries and governments to adopt sustainable practices that drive systemic change.

This year’s World Environment Day falls exactly two months before countries reconvene to continue negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution.

Every year, approximately 100,000 mammals and one million seabirds die due to entrapment in abandoned fishing nets or after ingesting the fragments they release into the sea. 86% of marine waste found on the seabed is attributable to fishing activities, with a clear prevalence of abandoned, lost or disused fishing lines, ropes and nets (ISPRA data). Ghost nets are therefore one of the most insidious forms of marine pollution.

For this reason, ISPRA, the implementing body of the PNRR MER project, has entrusted the economic operators Fondazione Marevivo, Castalia Consorzio Stabile and CoNISMa, the National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, in the “GhostNets” operation, with the recovery of fishing nets and gear abandoned or accidentally lost at sea.

Abandoned nets represent one of the most dangerous threats to the ecosystem, because when they settle on the seabed they become deadly traps for many living species. Their deterioration into tiny fragments also generates the release of microplastics that are ingested by animals and end up, consequently, in the food chain.

ISPRA presents today the "Sea Sentinel"

The "Sea Sentinel" was presented today at the ISPRA headquarters in Rome, as the mobile unit (UMRO) is called, which represents a technological vanguard for coastal marine monitoring. The unit was acquired as part of the B19 intervention of the PNRR MER PROJECT.

Thanks to its technical equipment and operational capacity in the field, the UMRO allows the real-time detection of the main marine parameters, integrating the data collected with those from other monitoring sources.

The Mobile Unit will officially become part of the Institute's coastal marine environment monitoring system. With the Sea Sentinel, Italian scientific research takes a step forward in the protection of marine ecosystems, making surveillance and intervention in situations of environmental risk, such as oil spills or the anomalous presence of floating waste, more efficient.

In the Marine Protected Area of ​​Baia degli Infreschi, monitoring activities are underway on the Posidonia oceanica mat re-stitching plant

Monitoring activities are underway on the repair plant of the Posidonia oceanica carpet damaged by anchors at the Marine Protected Area of ​​Baia degli Infreschi, as part of the LIFE SEAForest project.

ISPRA researchers, with the support of the Carabinieri Underwater Unit of Naples, are observing an increase in the rooting of Posidonia cuttings at the plant. This bodes well for the success of the project which is already achieving, in the areas near the Asinara MPA and the Maddalena National Park, a survival rate of 80/90% of the seedlings inserted as repair of the damaged carpet, in view of active restoration actions.