Welcome to Marine Protected Area Isole Egadi: A New Member of EUROPARC

Nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, northwest of Sicily, the stunning Egadi Archipelago is home to Italy’s largest marine nature reserve. 

Marine Protected Area Isole Egadi

Established in 1991, the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA) spans 53,992 hectares, safeguarding a rich and diverse ecosystem. The islands hold significant ecological value, hosting numerous endemic species and serving as a critical stopover along the Europe-Africa migratory route through western Sicily. The area hosts the largest Mediterranean seagrass meadow (Posidonia oceanica), as well as coral reefs, submerged caves, and archaeological remains.

Recognised as a Special Protection Area (ITA10024) and a SPAMI (Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance) by the UN, the Egadi Islands are not only a haven for biodiversity but also sites of historical and cultural significance. Their geographic isolation has preserved a strikingly wild landscape, where rocky coastlines meet crystal-clear waters, and the seabed reveals remnants of ancient Mediterranean civilisations.

The MPA aims to prioritise marine conservation efforts through the following:

1. Protection and enhancement of the marine environment
2. Environmental education
3. Information sharing and raising awareness of users,
4. Research and environmental monitoring
5. Integrated management of the coastal strip
6. Promotion of sustainable development, mainly tourism

The managing body engages with diverse stakeholders to discuss various environmental issues as well as the socio-economic needs of the territory. These stakeholders are actively involved with territorial development and protection interventions.

The MPA is divided into four zones with varying levels of environmental protection:

Zone A: full protection with the highest level of environmental protection measures

• This is a “no take” zone, bathing is still allowed, guided underwater tours are allowed but only in summer, and only residents can skipper their boats in this area

Zone B: General protection

• In addition to the allowed actions from Zone A, touristic boats such as sailing boats, paddle boats, electric boats and paddleboats are allowed, guided underwater tours are allowed all year round but require a special authorisation certificate. Anchoring is also allowed with special rules for residents and a numerical limit for non-residents. Sport fishing and artisanal fishing are allowed.

Zone C: Partial protection

• In addition to the protections from Zone B, restrictions on navigation and anchoring are reduced. Individual diving, sport fishing and small-scale professional fishing are allowed.

Zone D: Basic protection with few limitations

• In addition to the protections in Zone C, trawling and large-scale purse seine fishing are allowed.

What is prohibited across the MPA is underwater fishing and the collection of organisms, with the exception of sea urchins, which can only be collected by residents, with special permission. Similarly, photography and film shooting, scientific research and whale watching are all allowed but require special permission.

See a map of the zones

Since fishing is the main human activity in the MPA, a strong partnership with the fishermen is a key to the success of the MPA. Already, fishermen are highly involved in all areas of management including:

• helping in projects that enhance the local fish products,
• helping with research,
• helping to test and impement fishing systems that reduce the impact on habitats and resources, in particular invasive species
• helping monitoring activities at sea.

A similar cooperation with tourism operators exists, with initiatives to improve the environmental sustainability of their activities, cleaning up seabeds and coastlines together with citizens and other stakeholders. These activities also increase the sense of belonging and promote awareness of the importance of an intact and healthy environment.

Visit their website here.

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