SAMESEA
SAMESEA – Sustainable Management of Marine Sentinel Species and Human Activities Interaction
We’re thrilled to introduce the SAMESEA project, which brings together eleven partners, including the MDR-Montenegro Dolphin Research team, with the aim of conserving marine biodiversity across the Adriatic-Ionian region. Led by Italy’s National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa) and involving partners from Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Greece, SAMESEA is designed to address the pressing challenges faced by marine sentinel species (Dolphins, Mediterranean Monk Seals and Sea turtles).
Why SAMESEA?
The Adriatic-Ionian region faces significant threats from pollution, habitat degradation, marine traffic, and other pressures associated with socio-economic activities. Sentinel species, which indicate the health of marine ecosystems, are particularly affected. SAMESEA seeks to harmonize marine monitoring and conservation efforts across borders and to promote cooperative management practices. By strengthening dialogue between economic activities and marine conservation, the project aims to build a network of public, private, and community stakeholders committed to safeguarding marine life.
Key Objectives of SAMESEA
To achieve a sustainable balance between human activity and marine conservation, SAMESEA will focus on three core areas:
Transnational Monitoring Strategy: Developing a coordinated, region-wide strategy for monitoring sentinel species, which includes identifying high-risk areas and creating standard monitoring protocols.
Long-term Coexistence: Promoting best practices for coexistence between human activities (tourism, fishing, maritime transport) and marine life, ensuring that economic growth does not harm biodiversity.
Transnational Network: Building a network to unite conservation organizations, policymakers, and citizens across the Adriatic-Ionian region, fostering knowledge exchange and sustainable practices.
MDR’s Role in SAMESEA
As a key partner, Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR) plays an integral role in the project through local research, public engagement, and capacity-building activities. MDR’s main responsibilities include:
Threat Assessment: Identifying pressures on dolphins and other species in Montenegro’s coastal regions, with a particular focus on the Boka Kotorska area.
Pilot Action in Boka Kotorska: Implementing a transnational monitoring pilot in this critical habitat, which is impacted by tourism, fisheries, and other activities.
Public Outreach: Hosting citizen science initiatives, educational workshops, and events to raise awareness and involve the community in marine conservation.
Capacity Building: Organizing training sessions with stakeholders to improve local conservation practices, contributing to a shared, sustainable future.
Project Activities & Expected Outcomes
SAMESEA will produce several critical outputs, including transnational monitoring guidelines, a handbook for sustainable coexistence, and an action plan for long-term ecosystem management. Here’s a quick snapshot of the work packages and expected results:
Monitoring and Coordination Protocols: Identify high-risk areas, hold local stakeholder meetings, and pilot a monitoring model.
Coexistence Strategy: Join on the development of the coexistence handbook, organize workshops on maritime spatial planning, and identify innovative practices.
Network and Capacity Building: Establish a transnational network, release educational materials, and host bioblitz events to engage communities.
Join Us in Making a Difference!
The SAMESEA project promises to strengthen the region’s commitment to marine conservation and ensure the resilience of the Adriatic-Ionian marine ecosystem. Through local partnerships and coordinated action, we aim to build a sustainable model for managing human activities and protecting our valuable marine species.
For more information, stay tuned as MDR brings updates and shares ways to get involved in this transformative project!
Project partners
National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences (Italy)
Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation (Croatia)
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Aleksander Moisiu University, Durres (Albania)
Centre for economic, technological and environmental development (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society (Slovenia)
Montenegro Dolphin Research (Montenegro)
Ministry of Tourism and Environment (Albania)
Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation (Greece)
Municipality of Neum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Veneto Regional Park of Po Delta (Italy)
Duration and Budget
Project duration: 1.9.2024 – 28.2.2027
Total project budget: 1.763.955,50 €
