Since 2019, One Ocean Foundation is dedicated the protection of the Canyon of Caprera, home to the largest submarine canyon system in northeastern Sardinia, in the central Tyrrhenian Sea.

The initiative aims to gather scientific evidence to promote effective conservation measures, such as the designation of a Fisheries Restricted Area (FRA) and a Marine Protected Area (MPA).

To achieve this goal, the Foundation collaborates with research institutions, universities and local associations to collect critical data on the ecology of the area and the distribution of cetaceans, key indicators of marine ecosystem health.

Why it matters

• The Canyon of Caprera is a biodiversity hotspot and a strategic crossroads in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

• Despite being adjacent to protected areas, the Canyon currently has no official protection, leaving its biodiversity at risk.

• The area is increasingly threatened by human activities, such as maritime traffic and fishing.

GOALS

The main goal of this project is took build solid scientific knowledge to support the protection of the Canyon biodiversity, with the ambition of achieving its recognition as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) and a Fisheries Restricted Area (FRA), paving the way towards the designation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA).

Thanks to years of dedicated research and advocacy, the Canyon of Caprera has been officially nominated as a Hope Spot®, a recognition granted by oceanographer Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue initiative. Today, the area joins the global network of more than 140 Hope Spots® and stands as the second one in Italian waters, following the Aeolian Islands.

ROV dives conducted between 200m and >1,000m depth allowed us to observe 16 deep-sea benthic species, survey 2.6 km of seabed linearly, and complete 11 hours and 40 minutes of useful deep-sea video footage.

Marine species spotted at the Canyon of Caprera (@LucaBittau, SEAME)