Integration of multi-scale technologies for the Italian coastal mapping and monitoring programme, with emphasis on Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa meadows (MER project, PNRR)

As part of the Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) project, ISPRA plans to map coastal habitats along the entire Italian coast, an innovative initiative under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). 

ISPRA has selected the Fugro-led consortium to use its cutting-edge technologies to map coastal environments, a revolutionary approach that is expected to transform marine ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts. The survey activities will be carried out along the entire Italian coastline and will include the mapping of Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa and other major species of marine phanerogams native to the Mediterranean, integrating multi-scale technologies, including sensors operated from aerial platforms (topo-bathymetric LiDAR, RGB and hyperspectral camera and gravimeter), satellite sensors, surface sensors (multibeam type) and finally the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) for direct and high-resolution observation of coastal ecosystems.

Seagrass meadows are habitats of very high conservation value and are also extremely important because they are an incredible ally in the fight against climate change. They capture carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests and represent more than 10% of total ocean carbon storage while covering only 0.2% of the seabed. In addition, they provide protection and nutrition and are a habitat for other forms of marine life.

This ambitious and unprecedented extreme survey campaign across the entire Italian coastline will provide very high-resolution data. These data will improve the decision-making process of local administrations in terms of protection and restoration of marine habitats and species. 
The mapping program of the MER project, unique in its kind in Europe, will provide Italian institutions, including the Ministry of the Environment and regional administrations, with high-resolution data on marine habitats. The project supports the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, with the goal of creating protected areas covering 30% of the EU’s terrestrial and marine surfaces. Special focus will be given to the mapping and monitoring of Marine Protected Areas and Natura 2000 Sites.