Who we are /The first italian marine protected area

The creation of the Marine Protected Area “Isola di Ustica” was promoted by the local fishermen to protect their fishing ground. The MPA was established in 1986 (gazetted on 12 november 1986), representing (together with Miramare in Trieste) the first Italian marine reserve. The objective of the MPA is to promote the unique marine biodiversity of the island, to manage marine resources and fisheries.

The MPA extends for 15 km around the Island, covering 15.951 hectars. The MPA is zoned in three areas, a Zone A of about 60ha, which is the no-take zone; a Zone B, covering about 8000ha, which is the buffer zone; and the Zone C of about 8000 ha, which is the open (or peripheral) zone. The MPA is also a Site of Community Interest (SCI), under the European Habitat Directive (92/43/EEC of 2.05.1992), for its environmental and biodiversity value.

The MPA protects the seagrass Posidonia ocenica and its habitat, including the bivalve Pinna nobilis; fish communities and several protected species, including the green turtle Caretta caretta, sea mammals (particularly dolphins).In addition, the MPA aims to protect the narwal shrimp, Plesionika narval, as species of high biodiversity value and as a resource for local fisheries.