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The Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Environment (DBBA) at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, in collaboration with CoNISMa, has a long history of research and monitoring in the Mediterranean marine environment.

The research team actively involved in the Save The Wave project focuses on the study and monitoring of marine ecosystems of conservation importance, such as coralligenous habitats, Posidonia seagrass meadows, and Mediterranean coral communities. The DBBA team is also active in the three Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of the Puglia Region—Porto Cesareo, Torre Guaceto, and the Tremiti Islands—supporting the managing bodies and ensuring conservation and sustainable use of the sea.

At the Mediterranean level, the DBBA team engages with regional and international organizations, from the Puglia Region to the FAO and IUCN, on the conservation of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VME) and Essential Fish Habitats (EFH), as well as marine resource management.

Since 2003, the University team has been studying Posidonia oceanica meadows along the Puglia coast, including those of the Tremiti Islands. Their expertise in this field has made them a key player in the Save The Wave project, collaborating with UNESCO-IOC since 2022 to co-design regeneration and capacity-building activities. Led by Prof. Francesco Mastrototaro and Dr. Giovanni Chimienti, the marine biologist team has been instrumental in decision-making, implementing regeneration actions, and engaging local stakeholders.

The DBBA’s commitment as an academic department goes beyond marine science research, as it also educates future generations and promotes Ocean Literacy both nationally and internationally.

Their collaboration with Save The Wave has been essential in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the restoration efforts in the Tremiti Islands.