Integrated Actions to Mitigate Environmental Risks in the Mediterranean Sea
Coastal Tourism Maritime Transport Socio-economic drivers Contribution to Gross Value Added (GVA) Fisheries and aquaculture Oil and gas
Coastal Tourism Maritime Transport Socio-economic drivers Contribution to Total Employment Fisheries and aquaculture Oil and gas
Socio-economic Coastal Tourism Maritime Transport drivers Intensity of Environmental Waste disposal Pressure (sewage and solid waste) Physical alteration of coastlines and landscapes Loss and disturbance of biodiversity Introduction of alien species Pollution: oil and its derivatives Underwater noise
Socio-economic Fisheries and aquaculture Oil and gas drivers Intensity of Environmental Overfishing Pressure of target species Mortality of non-target populations of fish Discharge of organic matter, antibiotics and biocides Pollution: oil and its derivatives Physical alteration of coasts and seabed
Results Aquaculture
N and P discharges lead to localized impacts in the marine environment
10% of non-indigenous species is attributed to aquaculture Aquaculture is considered one of the main causes for alien species occurrence in Italian seas
Results Fishing
Depletion of marine resources is a recognized problem across the Adriatic-Ionian ecoregion
Purse seines and trawlers remove high levels of biomass indiscriminately Loggerhead turtle is threatened mainly by trawling and volante fishing
Seagrass beds are negatively affected by bottom trawlers
Results Maritime Transport
Underwater noise is a growing concern, affecting communication of marine species. Discharges of oil and its derivatives represent a significant threat to marine and coastal ecosystems
80% of hydrocarbon pollution derives from routine shipping operations such as tanker Most washing of the oil spills are often located along the Sicilian channel The Adriatic Sea has the highest accident frequency (5 time higher than world average)
Introduction of harmful aquatic organisms is a matter of serious concern in the Adriatic Venice and Taranto have been identified as alien species hot spots Vessels contribute significantly (54%) to alien species occurrence in Italian seas
Results Coastal Tourism
Tourism is a significant source of pressure on natural resources and the environment
physical alteration of coastlines and landscapes, loss of biodiversity, changes in salinity regime...
also deterioration of water quality (sewage) and marine litter
Cruises in the Mediterranean are also a source of considerable ecological pressures The growth of cruising tourism in the eastern Adriatic is increasing threats in the region
Results Coastal Urbanization
Urbanization is mostly related to tourism development Construction activities on shore and urban development result in soil sealing
37% of coastal settlements operate without a wastewater treatment Urban wastewater is considered one of the most important contributors to euthrophication There is no sewage treatment in many cities on the Eastern coast of the Adriatic also a major source of heavy metals and PCBs
Results Climate Change
Climate change would have adverse impacts in the Mediterranean region Sea level rise, recurrent droughts, salt water intrusions, increase of floods and soil erosion
Several areas were identified potentially vulnerable to sea level rise at the Croatian coast For the Eastern Adriatic coast, more of 100 km2 of the mainland will be flooded due to sea level rise