The National Research Council (CNR) participated in and sponsored the XIV Edition of the China-Italy Science, Technology and Innovation Week, an internationally recognized event that took place from November 13 to 15, 2025, in the cities of Beijing and Hangzhou. The event confirmed its status as a consolidated model for boosting innovation and building a sustainable future together between the two countries. This edition held particular significance, falling in the year of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and China, an occasion that underscores their cooperation founded on shared growth and cultural exchange. The centrality of institutional dialogue was further reinforced by the Action Plan for Strengthening the Italy-China Global Strategic Partnership 2024–2027, with the aim of boosting relations between the research and innovation systems to enhance national excellence. The event, promoted in Italy by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and coordinated by the IDIS Foundation-Città della Scienza, was organized by the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, in collaboration with the International Technology Transfer Network. he Week was inaugurated on Thursday, November 13, in Beijing with an Institutional Ceremony attended by the Italian Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, and the Minister of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, Yin Hejun. This official moment culminated in the signing of Cooperation Agreements between institutions, universities, research bodies, and companies from the two countries, designed to launch new joint projects. Subsequently, the day continued with thematic sessions focused on Advanced Manufacturing, Ethics and Law of Artificial Intelligence, and Life and Health Sciences, followed by One-to-One meetings and visits to Research Centers and Laboratories. The activities moved to Hangzhou for the day of Friday, November 14, where the focus shifted to key themes such as Cultural Heritage Preservation and Artificial Intelligence, Tropical Agriculture, and, particularly, Marine and Polar Sciences, which include biodiversity and climate change. The forum dedicated to Marine and Polar Sciences represented a significant moment for the Italian research system, with the participation of prominent figures from various institutions. Among the Italian speakers present, Roberto Bassi, President of the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, presented “Italian Research in Marine Biology.” The CNR contributed with a presentation by
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FAO-GFCM Project on Selectivity in the Strait of Sicily
The National Research Council – Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM) in Mazara del Vallo and Ancona has recently completed the operational phase of a project carried out in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).
In light of the indications contained in GFCM Recommendation 42/2018/5, which emphasizes the need to identify and develop measures aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of bottom trawling on the juveniles of the main commercial species, the initiative is finalized for the identification and experimentation of innovative technical solutions for the reduction of by-catch and unwanted catches in multi-species trawling in the Strait of Sicily, contributing to the conservation of marine biological resources and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices.
In this context, two experimental studies were conducted in GSA 16 (Southern Sicily) in the spring of 2023 and the summer of 2025. The experimental activities at sea concerned two species of high commercial value, Merluccius merluccius (European hake) and Parapenaeus longirostris (deep-water rose shrimp), both managed under a GFCM multiannual plan and currently considered at risk of overexploitation.
The sea trials were conducted using three different commercial vessels, characterized by the same technical specifications and operating in parallel, during the same period and in the same fishing area. Each unit employed a different net configuration: a standard commercial net, used as a control; a net equipped with a selection grid for the juveniles of the two species; and a net called “T90” characterized by the meshes of a commercial net rotated by 90° compared to the traditional rhomboidal meshes. The three systems were used simultaneously to compare the abundance and composition of the catches between the commercial net and the selective devices.
On board the three vessels, CNR-IRBIM researchers Vincenzo Garozzo, Michele Luca Geraci, Khalil Besbes, Giacomo Sardo, Andrea Petetta, and Giorgio Vianson conducted sampling activities and quantitative and qualitative analysis of the catches, with the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of the different systems in reducing the capture of juvenile specimens and non-target species.
Underwater filming of the selection grids was also carried out in order to evaluate the vitality of the hake and other commercial species, as part of the analysis on the post-capture survival rate.
The project, financed by the European Union, represents a continuation of the regional cooperation initiatives promoted by the GFCM( General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean), aimed at fostering increasingly selective, sustainable, and responsible fishing. More information is available at the following link:
https://www.fao.org/gfcm/news/detail/en/c/1641477/
Osaka Expo 2025 – CNR Day
19 September 2025, Osaka. The Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” hosted the “CNR Day: – Knowledge as the Key to Protection,” a high-profile event organized by the National Research Council (CNR), through the Department of Earth System Science and Technology for the Environment (CNR-DSSTTA), dedicated to science as an indispensable tool for environmental protection and global resilience. As is the goal at all EXPOs, the objective was to build bridges; in this particular case, a bridge between Italy and Japan on Environmental Issues. The day featured a rich program of bilateral exchanges between Italian and Japanese scientists engaged in research experiences on five crucial environmental themes. The central point has been the role of scientific knowledge, based on data memory and analysis, as a crucial element for understanding the evolution of environmental changes and addressing global challenges. The five pillars of the scientific discussion were: Biodiversity, Sea, Polar Regions, Climate Change, and Natural Risks.
IRBIM made a valuable contribution to the event, both in its scientific and organizational aspects. Ernesto Azzurro presented in the section titled “Fisher’s Memories: Stories That Tell of Ecological Change” The presentation was conducted together with Japanese colleagues Takehito Yoshida and Mayumi Fukunaga from the University of Tokyo, highlighting international cooperation in the field of ecological change. La collega Grazia Marina Quero ha svolto un ruolo cruciale, partecipando attivamente al team che ha organizzato l’evento, sotto la guida del DSSTTA. The institute was also represented by its Director. Gian Marco Luna.
The “CNR Day” was not just a scientific forum, but also a moment to highlight the deep connection between art and science. The event was enriched with artistic content through “Cartografie liquide”, an exhibition that featured a compelling choral projection of six videos created by Italian female artists. For an innovative communication, cartoonist and illustrator Gabriele Peddes translated the content of the scientific presentations into real-time illustrations and comics. Further information about the day’s activities is available on the DSSTTA page dedicated to Expo Osaka 2025. Finally, the event aimed to stress a key message: the only path to protecting our planet is through deep, shared knowledge, making science the most effective shield against the uncertainties of the future..
Plastic Reborn
Plastic Reborn is an initiative and a documentary that shows concrete and innovative solutions to stop plastic pollution. The goal is to show how young minds and researchers in the field are creating an alliance between the environment and business to face a global challenge and transform it into a rebirth opportunity. One of the stories at the heart of this project is the one that comes to life in the port of Ancona, where, at 2 a.m., the fishing boat Barracuda I sets sail for a special mission. For an entire day, the boat becomes an open-air laboratory that unites maritime tradition with scientific research. On board are the fishermen, two researchers from the CNR IRBIM of Ancona, and the director and producer. Every time the nets come up from the seabed, the waste of our time emerges along with the fish: bottles, ropes, and styrofoam remnants. In just ten months, only two boats have brought about three tons of debris ashore, 80% of which is plastic.
Questo è il cuore del progetto di Fishing for Litter, coordinato dal CNR IRBIM all’interno dello Spoke 2 del NBFC – National Biodiversity Future Center. The initiative also transforms fishermen into guardians of the sea. Each piece of plastic waste is cataloged, analyzed, and, when possible, sent for recycling, despite obstacles like encrustations and wear and tear. L’IRBIM CNR di Ancona è partner scientifico e patrocinatore del progetto, con il grande impegno delle colleghe Elisa Punzo e Maria Chiara Catta
Il documentario, dal titolo completo “Plastic Reborn, how young minds turn river waste into new beginnings” è prodotto da Carlo Mameli Video Agency, e racconta il conflitto tra un futuro possibile e un presente che resiste. The documentary, with the full title “Plastic Reborn, how young minds turn river waste into new beginnings,” is produced by Carlo Mameli Video Agency and tells the story of the conflict between a possible future and a present that resists.L’obiettivo è mostrare che la speranza è fatta di preparazione, ingegno, nuove tecnologie e nuovi cicli di vita, mettendo in luce il valore dell’intera filiera: dal degrado alla rinascita della plastica. The stories, faces, hands, and courage of those who don’t look the other way will be part of a film intended for international platforms and environmental-themed festivals.
To know more about the project Fishing for Litter and the stories presented by images collected on the field here the link to the page. Here the link to the video interview to Elisa Punzo.
For general information: https://plasticreborn.com
The project VECNA_III
The collaboration among Italian research institutions in the Svalbard Islands continues successfully through the VECNA project (Knocking on Arctic Door), coordinated by CNR-IRBIM, Messina. From June 30 to July 10, 2025, the research team — composed of Adriana Profeta (CNR-IRBIM), Giovanni de Vincenzi (CNR-ISP), Nadia Marinchel e Tommaso Russo (Università di Roma Tor Vergata), carried out an intensive monitoring campaign in the coastal waters of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. The objective was to investigate the potential emergence of non-indigenous marine species (NIMS) in the context of Arctic climate change. The field campaign combined traditional techniques (such as traps and plankton nets) with advanced technologies, including underwater cameras, hydrophones, and environmental DNA (eDNA). The operation was made possible thanks to the support of the CNR Arctic Station Dirigibile Italia and the logistical assistance of the Guardia di Finanza, whose highly trained personnel provided critical expertise for operating in extreme environments. This strong synergy represents a successful example of enhanced monitoring of polar waters and a step forward in scientific cooperation in the Arctic. Adriana Profeta had previously presented the project during the recent seminar organized by the Italian Society of Marine Biology (SIBM, entitled: “Women and Science in Extreme Lands: Studying Sentinel Species of Change in Ny-Ålesund, the Northernmost Scientific Community in the World” , available by clicking the link.
ICES/FAO WORKING GROUP ON FISHING TECHNOLOGY AND FISH BEHAVIOUR (WGFTFB25)
From 15th to 20th May, the ICES/FAO Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour (WGFTFB) conference was held at the Mahara Hotel in Mazara del Vallo.B). The meeting was opened by Dr. Gian Marco Luna, Director of the Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies of the National Research Council (IRBIM CNR), along with Vita Gancitano, Head of the IRBIM CNR Secondary Office in Mazara del Vallo. Councillor Germana Abbagnato represented the Mayor of Mazara del Vallo, Salvatore Quinci, and Giovanni Cucchiara, Director General of the Department for Mediterranean Fisheries of the Sicilian Region, also spoke at the inauguration. More than 120 researchers and fisheries technologists from five continents attended the meeting. During the conference, research findings were presented across various disciplines within fisheries science. These ranged from the selectivity of fishing gear to fish behaviour, from environmental and marine community indicators to the energy efficiency of fishing vessels, and from “ghost fishing gear” to management issues. Additionally, the WGFTFB’s upcoming research activities and future meetings were agreed upon. These will take place in Cairns, Australia, in 2026 and in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 2027. Organised by the IRBIM CNR of Mazara del Vallo, the conference was a significant opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge aimed at making fisheries more sustainable, from both an environmental and socio-economic perspective. This will have important implications for the modernisation of a sector that plays a vital role in the economy of Mazara del Vallo and the coastal communities of Sicily.
Public Outreach Event within Spoke 7 of the National Biodiversity Future Center
The IRBIM-CNR of Mazara del Vallo participated in a public outreach day dedicated to presenting the activities of Sub-Task 1.6.3 of Activity 1 within Spoke 2: “Solutions to Reverse Marine Biodiversity Loss and Manage Marine Resources Sustainably.” The event took place at the IAS-CNR headquarters in Torretta Granitola, as part of the initiatives promoted by Spoke 7 of the National Biodiversity Future Center.
The event provided a significant opportunity to disseminate the results of the FARO campaign (Fishing Impacts on Isidella elongata Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems). The primary objective of this campaign is to identify and map soft-bottom coral gardens, which are highly valuable ecological habitats characterised by the presence of the Bamboo coral (Isidella elongata), a species classified as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN. During the day, the importance of these vulnerable ecosystems was highlighted, also through the projection of images and videos from the explored seabeds.
CNR- IRBIM at the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK)
On April 24, 2025, the MABIK International Symposiumwas held in the auditorium of the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK) and in the exhibition space called SeaQrium. It was attended by the director of CNR IRBIM Gian Marco Luna with the presentation entitled “Frontiers and challenges for marine biological research in the 21st century“. MABIK is the Korean Institute dedicated to research on Marine Biodiversity. Directed by Kim Hyun-tae, the Mabik aims to contribute to the conservation of marine biological resources and the development of the marine fishing industry through the collection, conservation, exhibition and systematic research of biological resources. Since its opening in 2015, MABIK has achieved significant results in the field of Korean marine biodiversity: it has acquired about 10,000 marine species and a collection of over 600,000 specimens; this allows it to manage a considerable part of the country’s marine biodiversity, precisely 63% of the marine species officially registered in Korea. He also developed the Marine Biodiversity Information System (MBRIS), through which he contributed to the standardization and global sharing of marine biological data. Finally, it led to practical applications, such as the development of commercialised products in the areas of cosmetics and treatments for metabolic diseases, carried out in collaboration with private companies. On this page you can consult the program of the symposium.
Annual Conference of the Department of Earth System Sciences and Technologies for the Environment
The Conference of the Department of Earth System Science and Technologies for the Environment (DSSTTA) will take place on 29 and 30 May 2025, in Ancona, at the Mole Vanvitelliana
The conference will address the challenges and opportunities that research will have to face and seize, also in the face of the changes that are happening at European and international level. It will be an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the future of the strategic areas of the DSSTTA, as well as on the paths and initiatives that can contribute to giving science a fundamental role in the renewed political, social and economic context. In those days it will be possible to visit the CNR Research Ship “Gaia Blu“.
The conference program and how to participate and register are available on the dedicated page.
Participation of IRBIM CNR Mazara del Vallo at the Subregional Committee for the Central Mediterranean (SRC-CM) – Palermo, Italy | 8–10 April 2025
Researchers from the IRBIM CNR of Mazara del Vallo took an active part in the recent Subregional Committee for the Central Mediterranean (SRC-CM), organized by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). The meeting, held in Palermo in a hybrid format from 8 to 10 April 2025, brought together experts, researchers and policymakers to discuss the main issues related to the sustainable management of fisheries in the Central Mediterranean. It was an important opportunity for technical discussion, updating on the state of fish resources and sharing recommendations aimed at improving fisheries governance in line with GFCM strategies.
During the event, IRBIM CNR researchers provided significant contributions on various topics. In particular, Fabio Falsone presented an update on the state of demersal resources in the Strait of Sicily, while Germana Garofalo illustrated a preliminary study on the effectiveness of Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs) in the region. Matteo Barbato highlighted the ecological importance of Essential Habitats for Fishery Resources in support of management activities, while Michele Luca Geraci presented the results of a selectivity survey conducted as part of an FAO Tender, aimed at reducing unwanted catches in trawling of crustaceans. Two experimental fishing nets, one equipped with sorting grids and another with a T-90 bag, were compared to a commercial net.
The IRBIM CNR team was also involved in other relevant sub-regional technical activities. In the field of spatial management, Valentina Lauria presented a study on the identification of the last hotspots of the critically endangered bamboo coral species Isidella elongata, fundamental for the conservation of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in the Central Mediterranean.
Regarding vulnerable species, Fabio Fiorentino and Sergio Vitale reviewed current management measures to mitigate by-catches of elasmobranchs, offering an updated overview of existing approaches. In addition, Germana Garofalo contributed to the discussion with a presentation on the PROSHARKS project, a PRIN-funded initiative, which addresses the urgent need to fill knowledge gaps and protect threatened coastal shark species living on the edge of extinction in this region.
Sub-regional Committees (SRCs) play a crucial role within the CFCM’s operational framework, offering a technical platform to support sustainable fisheries management at sub-regional level. Their mission is to provide technical advice to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), assess progress in fisheries management through the analysis of national data and existing measures, and propose improvements or alternative strategies based on regional needs. They are also in charge of drafting future work plans and addressing new challenges in line with GFCM’s strategies.
Importantly, the work of these committees — including the implementation of action plans and the identification of sub-regional priorities — is actively supported by the MedSea4Fish project, which ensures a collaborative, science-based approach to the long-term protection of Mediterranean fishery resources.