EVENT OVERVIEW

On December 5, CNR-IRBIM organized in Ancona (Italy) the first Scientific Workshop of the Interreg ADRIREEF project. The audience, composed by representatives of local and regional institutions, universities and research institutes, had the chance to listen to in-depth lectures on the monitoring and state of the art of natural and artificial reefs, as well as the description of the seven chosen case studies of the project. Later, the participants took part to the Open Space Techology Session exchanging ideas and suggestions on possible development and implementation strategies for the sustainable use of the Adriatic reefs in line with the Blue Economy principles.

The Scientific Workshop was aimed at connecting scientists and representatives of public authorities involved in the management of marine areas in order to discuss and identify suitable ways for the sustainable management of Adriatic reefs and, as a consequence, to increase local tourism and other activities (e.g., small scale fisheries, aquaculture...).

Four interesting lectures on “The Ecological role of natural and artificial reefs and the goods and services they can provide” (Dr. Massimo Ponti, University of Bologna), “Artificial reefs and recreational fishing” (Dr. Fabio Grati, CNR-IRBIM Ancona), “The relevance of hydrographic surveys for the seabed monitoring” (CF Nunziante Langellotto, Istituto Idrografico della Marina) and “Technology, methodology and monitoring protocols for Adriatic reefs” (Dr. Anna Nora Tassetti & Dr. Pierluigi Penna, CNR-IRBIM) aroused considerable interest.

Finally, the Open Technology section involved all the audience in the discussion and suggestion of  ideas on four crucial themes:

1) Blue Economy and Stakeholders Engagement;

2) Priorities for sustainable use of reef resources;

3) Barriers and accelerators for the development of Blue Economy activities;

4) Integrated management of reef resources.