Tommaso De Lorenzi (Shoreline) opened the meeting for Italian stakeholders by presenting the SeaInsights project and outlining the marine biodiversity monitoring activities carried out using both traditional methods and an innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling protocol. He then introduced the project objectives related to the work package focused on stakeholder engagement in the development of cross-border guidelines for the monitoring and conservation of species in the Northern Adriatic.
Giovanni Bearzi (Dolphin Biology and Conservation) illustrated the conservation status of marine mammals in the Northern Adriatic and the changes the ecosystem has undergone over the past thirty years. He also presented some of the results achieved within the SeaInsights project through the exchange of data on bottlenose dolphin sightings collected over the last decade in collaboration with the Morigenos team.
Marta De Barba (DivjaLabs) explained the purpose and functioning of environmental DNA sampling in marine biodiversity monitoring. She described the various steps involved in sample processing, from collection at sea using dedicated filters to laboratory analyses, highlighting the potential of this technique as a valuable complement to traditional monitoring methods.
Finally, Marco Francese (Shoreline) outlined in detail how stakeholders will be involved in the drafting of the guidelines. To produce a practical and effective manual, it is essential to gather multiple perspectives on marine conservation measures and the challenges that may arise. Marco presented the dates of upcoming events dedicated to discussing the guidelines and encouraged participants to register and actively contribute to the process.
