This July, the annual Festa del Mare (“Festival of the Sea”) in Spadafora, Sicily—organized by the local Pro Loco—welcomed WWF Italy and the EU NETTAG+ project for a full day dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, promoting sustainable fisheries, and protecting marine ecosystems. The event drew over 2,000 participants and united local fishers, scientists, citizens, and environmental advocates in a shared commitment to the sea.
The day kicked off with a beach cleanup led by the NETTAG+ team, joined by over 30 volunteers and residents. Together, they collected nearly 300 kg of marine litter, including plastic bottles, caps, cups, discarded fishing gear, glass bottles, aluminum cans, polystyrene fragments, and even firework debris. This hands-on action raised public awareness of the growing threat plastic waste poses to marine life and coastal environments.
In the afternoon, more than 100 people took part in an engaging public forum focused on sustainable fishing and the need for transparent, responsible value chains. Speakers included local fishers, researchers from the University of Catania and the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, restaurant owners, and WWF Italy representatives. The discussion highlighted the critical role of small-scale fisheries in maintaining healthy seas and local economies.
To conclude the event, attendees were invited to a photo exhibition celebrating the daily lives and challenges of small-scale fishers, followed by a screening of MAREDOLCE, a WWF-produced documentary. The film tells the inspiring stories of Italian small-scale fishers adapting to modern environmental challenges while safeguarding traditional livelihoods for future generations.
The Festival of the Sea 2025 served not only as a celebration of maritime culture, but also as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to care for our oceans.
