THE NETWORK OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN SICILY

La rete delle aree marine protette della Sicilia

Stefano Donati

Favignana (TP), Italy

Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area

Director

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The italian network of MPAS

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Italy has the largest network of MPAS in Europe: 27 marine reserves, 1 sanctuary, 2 archaeological marine parks 2 national parks with protection at sea In total, it is planned to establish 54 Marine protected area

The network of Marine Protected Areas in Sicily - 1

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• Ustica island (1986)

• Egadi Islands (1991)

• Capo Gallo – Isola delle Femmine (2002)

• Pelagie Islands (2002)

• Plemmirio (2005)

• Ciclopi Islands (1989)

The network of Marine Protected Areas in Sicily - 2

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But 4 others are going to be established…

• Eolie Islands

• Pantelleria Island

• Vindicari marshes

• Capo Milazzo

Capo Milazzo

The network of Marine Protected Areas in Sicily - 3

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And 4 more are planned to be established…

• Monte Cofano promontory

• Stagnone di Marsala

• Acicastello Caves

• Capo Passero

So, in Sicily we might once have a network of 14 Marine protected areas!

Ustica Island Marine Protected Area Established in 1986, managed by the Municipality of Ustica

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16.000 hectares

14,5 km of coast

Distribuzione in percentuale delle zone interessate a

differente regime di tutela

Zona A

0%

Zona B

49%

Zona C

51%

Main Target: Corals, diving

Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area Established in 1991, managed by the Municipality of Favignana

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54.000 hectares

74 km of coast

Distribuzione in percentuale delle zone interessate a

differente regime di tutela

Zona A

2%

Zona B

5%

Zona C

41%

Zona D

52%

Main Target:

Posidonia, Monk seal

Capo Gallo – Isola delle Femmine Marine Protected Area Established in 2002, managed by a Consortium of local Authorities

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2.200 hectares

16 km of coast

Distribuzione in percentuale delle zone interessate a

differente regime di tutela

Zona A

4%Zona B

11%

Zona C

85%

Main Target: vermetid reefs

Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area Established in 2002, managed by the Municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa

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4.100 hectares

46,5 km of coast

Zona A

2%Zona B

33%

Zona C

65%

Distribuzione in percentuale delle zone interessate a differente regime di tutela

Main Target: sea turtles

Ciclopi Islands Marine Protected Area Established in 1989, managed by a Consortium of local Authorities

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620 hectares

6,5 km of coast

Distribuzione in percentuale delle zone interessate a

differente regime di tutela

Zona A

3%

Zona B

35%

Zona C

62%

Main Target: education

Plemmirio Marine Protected Area Established in 2005, managed by a Consortium of local Authorities

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2.430 hectares

14,5 km of coast

Distribuzione in percentuale delle zone interessate a

differente regime di tutela

Zona A

5%

Zona B

52%

Zona C

43%

Main Target: submerged caves

Conclusions

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Sicily holds the richest network of Marine Protected Areas in Italy, counting 6 marine reserves all around the island, also involving many smal islands, while 8 more MPAS are bound to be established. Despite this, a new effort must be taken to make this network effective. Regional authority might take part, in the future, in this effort.

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Thank you