2024
Continuing Restoration and Monitoring

Restoration and monitoring efforts will carry on throughout 2024, engaging both professionals and citizen scientists. If the results are positive, we plan to expand the restored areas, creating thriving meadows that can sustain themselves without further human intervention.

2023
Progress and Results

In June 2023, an additional 15 square meters of Posidonia oceanica were transplanted at the Cretaccio site, building on previous restoration efforts.

Additionally, staff from Aquodiving were trained on the significance of Posidonia oceanica meadows and the data collection techniques needed for monitoring. Their training included both theoretical and practical sessions at the Tremiti Islands. This preparation enabled Aquodiving staff to contribute photographic documentation, highlighting the crucial role of citizen science for conservation efforts.

Preliminary results were shared at two major conferences: the 52nd Congress of the Italian Society of Marine Biology in Messina (June 12-15, 2023) and the IEEE MetroSea conference in Malta (October 4-6, 2023).

2022
Identification of the restoration sites

In 2022, the scientific partners of Save the Wave—the University of Bari Aldo Moro and The Oceancy—identified two key restoration sites: Cretaccio and I Pagliai. After thorough research, they selected a total of 100 square meters (50 square meters at each site) for restoration.

With the expertise of the University of Bari Aldo Moro, the project used an innovative, low-impact method to replant Posidonia oceanica. With support from the local diving center Aquodiving, detached cuttings were gathered from nearby meadows and replanted using eco-friendly coconut mesh. In total, around 1600 uprooted rhizomes were replanted across the two sites.

The restoration efforts received recognition from the Ente Parco Nazionale del Gargano, the authority responsible for managing the Tremiti Islands Marine Protected Area, ensuring that the project aligns with conservation goals.

E.ON Energia has been essential to the success of the Save the Wave project, supporting its growth and long-term sustainability. With E.ON's backing, the project can expand its impact beyond restoration, share findings at conferences, and publish in scientific journals, helping to advance marine conservation globally.