Large-scale seafloor mapping of the Italian coasts using multi-sensor surveying to characterise Posidonia oceanica and seafloor morphology in shallow waters

Abstract

The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) is leading a nationwide initiative to map and restore seagrass meadows under the Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) project. This effort addresses the alarming decline of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa habitats, which are critical for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and coastal resilience. The MER project’s mapping component, executed by Fugro and Compagnia Generale Ripreseaeree (CGR), in partnership with EOMAP – a Fugro company, and PlanBlue, employed a multi-sensor approach, combining satellite, airborne, vessel-based (high-resolution multibeam), and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technologies. The integration of bathymetric LiDAR, multibeam, optical and multispectral data allowed continuous bathymetric coverage from the coastline to 50 metre depth. The Virgeo® platform, specifically developed by Fugro, facilitated real-time monitoring of acquisitions and data collected by ships and aircraft engaged in the surveys. This integrated approach provided a robust baseline for restoration planning and long-term monitoring, offering a scalable, cost-effective solution for national marine habitat assessments. The Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) MER project was funded by MASE, coordinated by ISPRA and scientifically supported by Italian research institutes and universities (CNR-IGAG, IIM, Sapienza, INGV, PoliMi, UniPd, UniGe).