The mission was conducted with the participation of:
Scientific divers from terrasolutions m.e.r.
Researchers from the Institute of Geoenergy – FORTH,
Representatives of the Public Institution NATURE of Šibenik–Knin County,
The Marine Remote Sensing Group from the University of the Aegean,
Scientists from the University of Palermo (UniPa),
And partners from AULEDA – Local Economic Development Agency and the
Institute of Modern Technologies Montenegro.
During the Sicily expedition, the diving team collected five sediment cores from both
Posidonia oceanica meadows and adjacent bare sediment areas. These samples, taken
from a substrate that was notably finer than that of Crete, will support comparative
analyses of carbon storage across Mediterranean regions.
Following retrieval, subsampling procedures were carried out on site, where each core
was sectioned, labelled, and prepared for laboratory analysis.
In parallel with sediment sampling, scientific divers documented biodiversity,
meadow structure, and the ecological condition of the Posidonia habitat. The Marine
Remote Sensing Group conducted drone-based surveys of the wider coastal area,
supporting habitat mapping and future monitoring efforts.
The collected data will contribute to a broader understanding of blue carbon stocks
within the Plemmirio MPA and allow direct comparison with results from Crete.
With the successful completion of the Sicily expedition, BLUEQ continues to expand
its research.
The Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, located along the eastern coast of Sicily near the city of
Syracuse was established in 2004. Covering an area of around 2,429 hectares and involving 14,348
meters of coastline, it protects a stretch of sea and shoreline rich in biodiversity, archaeological
remains, and unique marine environments.
The area is also rich in Posidonia oceanica, a protected seagrass species that plays a fundamental
ecological role. It produces oxygen, offers shelter and nursery grounds for many marine organisms,
stabilizes the seabed, and contributes to maintaining clear and healthy waters. Its presence is a key
indicator of the excellent environmental quality of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area.
Created to safeguard its natural heritage and promote the sustainable use of marine resources, the
area is divided into three protection zones. Zone A (Red), the Integral Reserve, is the most strictly
protected area, where all activities that might harm or disturb the marine environment are
prohibited, allowing only scientific research and essential services. Zone B (Yellow), the General
Reserve, permits activities with very low environmental impact, such as regulated navigation and
swimming. Zone C (Blue), the Partial Reserve or Buffer Zone, allows a broader range of low-
impact activities and serves as a transition area between the highly protected zones and the open
sea.