The first Oceanographic Expedition of the PNRR MER project, in which the underwater robot was seen, ended successfully Nautilus Van Ispra explore the immersed mountains of the Mediterranean Sea to 2 thousand meters deep. A journey between unknown biodiversity, fragile ecosystems and scientific discoveries fundamentally for the preservation of the sea
A journey to the heart of the abyss
Like the legendary “Nautilus” by Jules Verne, able to enter the unknown depths of the ocean, ISPRA led an extraordinary exploration between the immersed mountains of the Mediterranean. With the help of an advanced ROV work class (remotely operated vehicle), a robot -like vehicle that can work up to 2 thousand meters deep, the researchers have mapped ecosystems that have never been studied before.
The High -Definition cameras that are mounted on the Rove have unveiled fascinating scenarios and new species, immersed in coral and sponge forests. “The possibility to immediately observe these intact habitats is comparable to the emotion of the first explorers»The researchers say.
Two months in the Sicily channel
Shipping, which lasted two months, is part of the project PNRR Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) – Intervento A14 Seamountsand aims to the large -scale mapping of 79 submarine lighting, located after 12 miles from the Italian coast and between 150 and 2 thousand meters.
Sailing in the Sicily ChannelThe ISPRA team documented eleven submarine structures, including Alfil-Linosa III, Pantelleria Central, Empedocle and others, many of which have never been investigated. The data collected is of fundamental importance for the protection of biodiversity and the assessment of geological risks.
Sottomarine -Bergen, Biodiversity and Natural Workshops for Geological Research
The undersea mountains represent real hotspots of biodiversityThanks to their unique ecosystems and vulnerability to human effects. Populated by forests of coralSponges and countless fish species are crucial for the preservation of marine. From a geological point of view, they offer valuable information about various aspects, such as geomphore sources, sources of geothermal energy and seismic and landslide risks. The geophysical reliefs performed form an essential basis for future explorations with sustainable methods.
Spectacular discoveries in the abyss between coral forests and in -depth sharks
The images collected by ROVs showed extraordinary environments: red coral colonies up to 900 meters, dense fOreste by pennatulaceii Between 100 and 140 meters and a surprising variety of black, white, sponge, oysters and gigantic Balani. One of the most exciting moments of the expedition was the narrow encounter with a shark cow, a rare predator of the abyss, intrigued by the lights of the robot vehicle.
Invisible threats: ghost nets and 2 thousand meters deep waste
In addition to beauty and biological wealth, exploring the presence of human threats also emphasized in the abyss. Abandoned fishing nets e sea waste They have been identified at extreme depths, although in smaller quantities compared to more coastal areas. This information will be essential to guide the future policy for marine conservation and to promote the establishment of new protected areas, in accordance with the EU strategy for the Biodiversity of 2030.
A look at the future
The next phase of the project includes new shipments from the Gulf of Naples to the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ligurian Sea, to expand the mapping and collect further data. With this mission, ISPRA strengthens its dedication in scientific research that applies to the protection of the sea, which reveals a immersed heritage of invaluable ecological and scientific value.