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Coastlines of Excellence, Seas to Protect
Coastlines of Excellence, Seas to Protect
Jun 04, 2026

ISPRA, SNPA and Marevivo Join Forces to Highlight the Health of Italy’s Seas

World Environment Day and World Oceans Day

According to analyses carried out over the past four years by the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA), the latest national data on bathing water quality confirm outstanding results once again for 2026. A remarkable 94.9% of monitored marine bathing waters have been classified as “excellent”, with nearly 6,000 kilometres of coastline achieving the highest standards established under European legislation. During 2025, the System conducted approximately 30,000 water samples and monitored around 5,000 sites across seas, lakes and rivers, ensuring continuous oversight of water quality.

The results were presented today by ISPRA, the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA) and Marevivo. To mark World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June), the three organizations hosted a discussion dedicated to the sea and the protection of marine ecosystems at Marevivo’s Floating Hub.

The findings confirm the high quality of Italy’s coastlines, while also highlighting the importance of considering the marine environment as a whole. Bathing water quality is only one indicator of ecosystem health; biodiversity, habitats, seabed quality, microplastics and climate change are equally strategic aspects that must be monitored and protected to safeguard the future of coming generations.

This shared commitment also includes the activities of the MER Project (Marine Ecosystem Restoration), funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). It is the most ambitious initiative ever undertaken in Italy for the restoration, conservation and protection of marine biodiversity. ISPRA has been designated by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security as the sole implementing body, while the Ministry serves as the central administrative authority and funding provider.

The Plan includes 37 lines of action, ranging from the restoration of Posidonia oceanica meadows and native flat oyster populations to the exploration of seamounts and the deployment of the new oceanographic vessel Arcadia, a true floating marine laboratory.

Maria Alessandra Gallone, President of ISPRA and SNPA, stated:

"The sea is one of our country’s most valuable assets. The results on bathing water quality are a source of satisfaction, but they also remind us of the importance of continuing to invest in knowledge, monitoring and the protection of marine ecosystems. Protecting the sea means protecting biodiversity, territories, communities and our future”.

Rosalba Giugni, President of Marevivo, added:The partnership between ISPRA, SNPA and Marevivo is of strategic importance. It brings together scientific expertise and civic engagement to promote a broader and more integrated vision of marine health, based on safeguarding the entire marine ecosystem. Protecting the sea and its biodiversity is a shared responsibility that requires awareness, participation and widespread commitment to strengthening a culture of sustainability”.

Bathing Water Quality 2026: All Regional Data Now Available on the SNPA Website

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