MPA /Activities
The main activities of the AMP are grouped into four main themes:Monitoring
The MPA was established to protect the marine environment and its resources. The MPA conducts, together with research institutes and universities and in compliance with regulations posed by the Ministry of Environment, annual monitoring activities. Specifically, the MPA monitors key species (i.e. groupers) and habitats (i.e. seagrass meadows). In addition, the MPA monitors changed in the environment through indicator species, such as sea urchins, sponges and fishes. The MPA also looks at socio-economic parameters to assess impacts and benefits on tourism and fisheries.
Through its monitoring program, the MPA ensures that the marine environment is effectively monitored and that adaptive strategies are adopted for managing resources.
Environmental education and awareness
Education and environmental awareness are the core business of an MPA. The MPA works in collaboration with local schools to develop programs, lessons and activities focused on understanding and protecting the environment. The MPA engages children and young adults to offer the opportunity to experience the sea and marine biodiversity as well as species and need to protect them for the future.
The MPA also offers sea-watching activities through a series of underwater trails during the summer season. This is an opportunity to enjoy the sea while learning about its inhabitants and the importance to protect them.
Surveillance and Compliance
To ensure that operators and stakeholder comply with MPA regulations and that no illegal activities are conducted within the MPA (like illegal fishing), the MPA teams up and supports enforcement authorities.
MPA staff is also dedicated to informing stakeholders and tourists to ensure that everyone is aware of regulations, MPA do and donts, and good code of conducts to best experience a pristine environment, both on land and at sea.
The MPA works with local stakeholders to promote voluntary compliance to ensure that everyone can work and enjoy the marine environment safely.
Managing for sustainability
The MPA work to achieve sustainable resource management. This means that stakeholders (such as fishermen or tourism operators) need to work together to find innovative solutions to extract resources from the sea, while safeguarding biodiversity. The economic growth of a small island like Ustica, strongly depends on the MPA and the sea. The MPA dialogues with stakeholders to find solutions that can protect biodiversity while allowing economic development. This needs to benefit the local community and promote good practices.