Gulf of Naples Leads Deep Ecosystem Restoration Initiative
NAPLES, March 2, 2026, 12:42 PM – The Gulf of Naples has become the focal point for one of the first passive restoration operations of deep-sea ecosystems ever undertaken in the Mediterranean. This initiative centers on the removal of marine debris from vital coral and sponge habitats. Coordinated by the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station (Szn), which handled the scientific and operational planning, this project marks a pioneering step in the conservation of deep-sea environments. These crucial habitats are currently threatened by the impact of abandoned fishing gear, which endangers the survival of unique marine communities.
Operation Demetra: A Collaborative European Effort
The operations were carried out during the Demetra oceanographic campaign, aboard the National Research Council’s (Cnr) vessel Gaia Blu. This campaign is part of the European Life Dream project, coordinated by the Institute of Marine Sciences in Bologna (Cnr-Ismar). The Life Dream project is dedicated to restoring and protecting deep habitats through a multidisciplinary approach and the use of cutting-edge technologies. The Gulf of Naples is one of the key intervention sites, where the project has established a close collaboration with the Regno di Nettuno Marine Protected Area across various operational phases.
Key Intervention Sites: Rocky Shoal and Dohrn Canyon
Activities focused on two ecologically significant sites. The first is a rocky shoal located between 200 and 300 meters deep, characterized by dense communities of black corals (Antipatharia). The second is the Dohrn Canyon, a deep ecosystem of exceptional importance due to its unique benthic communities. These communities are distinguished by the presence of white corals, centuries-old oysters, and rare Mediterranean species. These underwater ‘forests’ create intricate three-dimensional structures that provide refuge and habitat for numerous marine species, highlighting the critical need for their protection and restoration.
Source: ansa.it
