“Our initiative’s success is evident, as artisanal fishermen report increased fish populations in the region,” Contardi stated. The reappearance of dolphins and sharks further suggests an improvement in the area’s environmental health.
In Cambodia, MCC has long collaborated with scientists, leading to well-documented achievements. In regions where concrete structures have been installed, fish numbers have increased sixfold compared to areas lacking these structures.
Seagrass has rejuvenated in previously barren zones, with regrowth recorded over 3,000 hectares. The return of dugongs, absent from the archipelago for over ten years, offers a promising sign.
“Long-term monitoring shows better seagrass coverage and distribution in block deployment zones,” Rehm noted.
Sculptors
Although deploying concrete structures is typically more affordable than using patrol boats for area monitoring, the costs can still be significant.
In collaboration with Planet Wild, Casa dei Pesci expanded the block-covered area by 14 square kilometers in 2024, at a cost of €105,000. While this is cheaper than traditional methods, it remains expensive for larger-scale applications, delaying plans to extend the coverage to Punta Ala.
Contardi believes this approach effectively protects valuable regions. However, since it isn’t feasible everywhere, raising public awareness about seafloor protection is crucial, which they are achieving through an underwater museum.
The museum hosts 24 marble statues crafted by international artists, situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea in front of the Talamone fortress, attracting snorkelers, scuba divers, and fish.
For MCC in Cambodia, safeguarding approximately 110 square kilometers with these structures cost US$500,000. They still need to patrol the MFMA to prevent illegal fishing, as not all locations are suitable for these structures. Overall, they spent US$1 million to secure the area, with annual operating costs now about one-third of that amount.
Future
Both Casa dei Pesci and MCC aspire to see this proven technique adopted globally, though they caution that it is not a universal solution.
The designs have not yet been tested in various environments or with different fishing gear types, but Contardi is confident that their heavy blocks can withstand any trawl used in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
“Another important point is that bottom trawling remains legal in many parts of the world,” Rehm adds.
The future of ocean ecosystems remains uncertain, yet for now, the dugongs in Cambodia and the dolphins in Italy, along with their seagrass habitats, are in better health than they were a decade ago.
However, maintaining this progress will require the continued efforts of organizations like MCC and Casa dei Pesci, supportive governments, and robust concrete blocks.
This Author
Tommi Rinne is a writer from Finland with a keen interest in nature, particularly the hidden realm beneath the waves.
