On October 18, we rewarded the winners of our One Ocean Challenge initiative with an immersive experience at sea. The young students explored and monitored the marine biodiversity of the Marine Protected Area of Portofino accompanied by expert biologists and Outdoor Portofino.  Through an initial biodiversity briefing, participants were introduced to the area’s marine species, data collection techniques and coastal monitoring objectives.

The 20 students of the Liceo Virgilio in Milan were divided into two groups alternating activities of kayaking and snorkeling exploring above and under water the Bay of Niasca and Paraggi. In total, about 400 meters of coastline were monitored, where several specimens of male sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) female sea urchins (Arbacia lixula) and coral algae (Corallina spp.) were found. The data collected by young enthusiasts will be shared with the University of Genoa that will use them to monitor the species present in the Marine Protected Area of Portofino.