Monitoring sustainability of coastal ecosystems by using biodiversity indicators and citizen science approaches
This research line focuses on the application of an ecologically based strategy for assessing, monitoring, and managing coastal habitats especially within Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). We apply a multidisciplinary approach including GIS technology, focused at local spatial scale in order to: 1) perform fishery stock assessment and monitor population dynamics (including presence of invasive alien species) and their linkages with climate change; 2) develop innovative methods for restocking and stock enhancement of coastal fisheries and aquaculture; 3) to develop training strategies for increasing knowledge and perception of scientific research and human impact in the natural environment with the general community, especially young students (<18 years old). The activity that most represents this research line is the study of the environmental impacts of plastic marine litter. In this regard, we have developed a package of sampling techniques for the collection of micro and macro-trash stranded along the beach starting from standardized monitoring protocols and adapted to the educational needs and levels of the students.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Coastal environments; fisheries management; biomonitoring; citizen science; science education; field educational laboratory.
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Martina Capriotti; Luca Bracchetti; Paolo Cocci; Mario Marconi; Massimiliano Fazzini; Gilberto Mosconi; Francesco Alessandro Palermo.
External Collaborations
Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia; Università di Siena; Riserva Naturale Regionale Sentina.
Pillar
Environmental Sustainability
Macroareas in Environmental Sustainability
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
Ministero delle Politiche agricole alimentari e forestali (MIPAF) - 2022: Misura 1.40 "Condroitti dell'Adriatico: monitoraggio del marine litter e sviluppo di un protocollo per il recupero, l'identificazione, la conservazione ed il ripopolamento attivo"; Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) “Marche Sud” - 2019; Action Plan: 2.A.2 – "Fisheries resources: innovative actions for recovery, conservation and restocking"; AMP Torre del Cerrano 2023 - Accordo attuativo (P.R.@PESCA - FEAMP 2014-2020); RESPIRE Research Education and Storytelling Project in Italian Remote Ecosystems, funded by the National Geographic Society (2023-2025).
Email Address
francesco.palermo@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications