Save the Wave in the Tremiti Islands
The Tremiti Islands, also known as "the Diomedee," are an Italian gem in the Adriatic Sea, 12 miles off the coast of northern Puglia. The archipelago attracts thousands of tourists with its clear waters, pristine seabeds, pleasant climate, lush vegetation, sandy shores and steep cliffs.
However, beneath the beauty lies an ecological challenge. Over the past 20 years, organizations like CoNISMa and the Gargano National Park Authority have closely studied the Posidonia meadows in the area, revealing their decline. These meadows play a crucial role in maintaining local marine biodiversity, but human activity, in particular the excessive use of boat anchors, can tear up the seagrass, disrupting the ecosystem.
One of the biggest threats to Posidonia in the Tremiti islands is the mechanical damage from boat anchors, which not only tear up the seagrass but also disrupt the meadow’s stability, causing rhizomes to be washed away or die.
In response, in 2022 UNESCO-IOC, together with E.ON, the University of Bari, and The Oceancy kickstarted the Save the Wave project to restore Posidonia oceanica meadows and promote responsible practices for their preservation.
The project expanded in 2023 and 2024, restoring more areas and strengthening monitoring efforts.
REGENERATION in action
3
Posidonia restoration pilot sites
145
square meters transplanted
69%
survival rate of transplanted seagrass
Monitoring efforts will continue all over the years, involving both professionals and citizen scientists. If the results are positive, the project plans to expand the restored areas, creating meadows that will thrive without further human intervention.
Research and citizen science actions
1
Toolkit for divers
20
scuba divers trained
2
conferences
The diving center staff involved in the Save the Wave project have been trained to understand the importance of Posidonia oceanica meadows and how to collect monitoring data. By September 2023, five staff members had been trained and involved in monitoring activities.
A toolkit was developed and shared with stakeholders, including the diving center staff, to simplify the data collection process. This toolkit is available in both English and Italian, and in both a shorter, graphic version and a longer, more explanatory version.
The preliminary results of these restoration efforts were showcased at the 52nd Congress of the Italian Society of Marine Biology (SIBM) in Messina from July 12-15, 2023, and at the IEEE MetroSea Conference held from October 4-6 2023 in Malta.
A peer-reviewed scientific publication is also being prepared to share these valuable insights with the international scientific community.
Discover the resources
Capacity building actions
30
university students trained
2
summer schools
To ensure long-term impact, it's essential to train the next generation of marine experts. In the Tremiti Islands, UNESCO-IOC and the University of Bari run training sessions that equip young scientists from around the world with practical skills to study and restore marine ecosystems. For participants, the hands-on experience gained in the field is invaluable for careers in marine monitoring and conservation. Whether working with public or private organizations, or managing marine protected areas, these skills boost professional competence and open doors to opportunities in ocean science and management.
These sessions are more than just training, they're about empowering the next wave of ocean advocates to take the lead in protecting the sea!
Education and Ocean Literacy
2008
students involved across 32 schools
+4000
people engaged in total
Education is at the heart of the Save the Wave project. Through a strong focus on Ocean Literacy, local communities, tourists, and stakeholders learn about the importance of Posidonia meadows and are encouraged to adopt more sustainable behaviors. These efforts foster a deeper connection between people and their environment, empowering them to play an active role in its preservation.
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.
ACTIVITIES
A new method for the transplanting of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica
A new method for the transplanting of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica
Monitoring toolkit
Monitoring toolkit
Posidonia: why is it important to protect it?
Posidonia: why is it important to protect it?
World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day
Aperitivo Blu
Aperitivo Blu
Summer School on Marine Bionomy of the Tremiti Islands
Summer School on Marine Bionomy of the Tremiti Islands
Posidonia restoration
Posidonia restoration
Contact us
Discover how to contribute and become part of the Save the Wave project. We collaborate with companies, research centers, universities, organizations, journalists and media, and citizens to drive the change we need for a healthy ocean.
Save The Wave is a project of
