OVERVIEW

The decline of most fish stocks worldwide, caused by various factors (overfishing, use of non-selective gear, illegal fishing, habitat degradation), along with the growing global demand for fish, has accelerated the search for effective management tools such as the establishment of Marine Protected Areas, ecosystem-based fisheries management, and the adoption of Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for certain fish species. In this context, the use of artificial marine habitats, and more specifically, the placement of what are known as artificial reefs on the sea bottom, can be useful as an effective tool for implementing Integrated Coastal Zone Management. These structures can help manage competing uses by reconciling the conservation of coastal marine ecosystems with economic interests (fishery) and other activities that support the sustainable management of the coastal zone (tourism).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching provides the basic knowledge for interventions in the coastal marine area aimed at fish repopulation and biodiversity protection through the construction of artificial habitats. These interventions represent a valuable contribution to the integrated management of the coastal regions, where various human activities are concentrated, often in intense competition.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation in the planned training activities will enable the student to acquire detailed knowledge of artificial marine habitats and, more specifically, on artificial reefs for the repopulation and/or protection of priority habitats. A detailed definition will be given of what are the various types of modules/manufactures used, how they are arranged in the sea and what materials have been used, in the past and present, to ensure durability and greater environmental sustainability.

The course will also include a part on international guidelines for the construction of an artificial reef, the actual construction/management costs and a detailed part on pre- and post-operational monitoring to be carried out in order to verify the actual effectiveness of the structures used.

PREREQUISITES

To effectively address the course contents, basic knowledge is required regarding marine ecology and zoology.

TEACHING METHODS

The classroom lessons are delivered through multimedia presentations.

Attendance at classes is strongly recommended.

The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

· Definitions of artificial reefs (AR).

· Various types of artificial habitats (artificial reefs, FADs, offshore platforms, breakwaters, dams, etc.).

· Functioning and purpose of an AR.

· Different types of modules (characteristics, arrangement, materials used, issues).

· History of ARs: Japan, USA, and the Mediterranean/Europe.

· The World Conference on ARs (CARAH) and the role of EARRN.

· ARs in the Mediterranean/Europe: different types, purposes, results, and prospects.

· ARs in Italy and Liguria: different types, purposes, and main results achieved.

· Other artificial marine habitats: offshore platforms (Crotone vs. Ravenna), the ODAS-Italia 1 buoy, and the Haven case.

· International regulations and guidelines for the construction of an AR.

· AR design: objectives, environmental, ecological, socio-economic, and management aspects.

· Trophic structure of an AR (production vs. attraction).

· Methodologies for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fish and benthic fauna (destructive and non-destructive methods).

· Definition and estimation of biomass and main diversity indices.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

No reference text will be adopted. All presentations used during the lectures (in pdf) and scientific articles will be available on the Aulaweb for further study.

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test and will include the presentation of a topic of the student's choice (from among those covered in the lecture), and will continue with a further 2/3 questions from the lecturer on topics covered during the lecture.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lessons. The exam will focus on the topics covered during the lectures and aims to evaluate not only whether the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also whether they have acquired the ability to recall theoretical notions by applying them to concrete examples.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.