Italy Launches Ambitious Coastline Mapping Project for Marine Ecosystem Recovery

National Initiative for Marine Restoration

Italy has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative, the Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) project, to create the first complete, high-resolution map of its entire coastline. This ambitious undertaking is a crucial component of the country's broader efforts to restore and protect its marine environments, particularly focusing on critical habitats like seagrass meadows. Funded with €400 million through the European Union's NextGenerationEU program, as part of Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the project is led by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) under the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security.

The MER project, which commenced in March 2024 (with some mapping components starting in July 2024) and is slated for completion by June 2026, aims to establish a new baseline for conservation efforts. It represents the largest coastal mapping initiative of its kind, covering Italy's extensive 7,900-kilometer (nearly 5,000-mile) coastline.

Advanced Technologies Deployed for Detailed Mapping

The mapping phase of the MER project employs a sophisticated array of cutting-edge technologies to gather comprehensive data. These include:

• Advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Capable of penetrating up to 50 meters below the sea surface for rapid and accurate seabed mapping.
• Multispectral Satellite Imagery: Utilizing high-resolution satellites like Maxar WorldView 2 and 3 series to analyze light frequencies and create preliminary maps of water depth and seabed composition.
• Airborne Gravimetry: A technique that uses sensors to measure gravity, providing greater detail.
• Vessel-based Multibeam Echosounders: For detailed hydrographic data acquisition.
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Deployed for direct observation and ground-truthing of other datasets along 4,000 kilometers of coastline.

The project's scope extends to mapping coastal habitats down to a depth of 50 meters in the sea and 800 meters inland, creating an interactive 'digital twin' of the coast. This virtual model will serve as the first detailed, updated map of all marine habitats, crucial for identifying pressures, assessing coastal vulnerability to erosion and flooding, and planning future restoration efforts.

Focus on Seagrass and Ecosystem Significance

A primary focus of the mapping effort is on vital seagrass meadows, specifically Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa. These underwater ecosystems are critical for:

• CO2 Sequestration: Posidonia oceanica can sequester carbon up to 35 times faster than rainforests.
• Marine Biodiversity: Providing essential habitats and nurseries for marine life.
• Coastal Protection: Stabilizing coastlines and preventing erosion.
• Water Quality: Functioning as natural water purification systems.

Initial findings from the comprehensive mapping have already revealed that Italy's Posidonia meadows are more extensive and grow in deeper waters than previously understood, offering valuable new insights for conservation. The collected data will be managed through VirGeo, Fugro's cloud-based Geo-data engagement platform, to enhance governmental decision-making for marine habitat protection.

Broader Goals and International Collaboration

The MER project is a collaborative effort involving key national institutes like ISPRA, universities, and the Italian Navy, alongside private sector companies such as Dutch geodata specialists Fugro, in partnership with Italian firm CGR, EOMAP, and PlanBlue. This initiative is designed to help Italy meet the global '30x30' target of protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, as outlined in the United Nations' COP15. Beyond mapping, the MER project also includes interventions for restoring European flat oyster banks, monitoring coastal areas with HF radar antennas, mapping seamounts, and removing abandoned fishing gear. By advancing ocean technology and fostering collaboration, Italy is setting a new benchmark for marine conservation efforts globally.