This study focused on the geochemical and sedimentological characterization of recent sediments from two marine sites (S1 and E1) located in the North Adriatic Sea, between the Po River prodelta and the Rimini coast. Major and trace metal concentrations reflect the drainage area of the Po River and its tributaries, considered one of the most polluted areas in Europe. Sediment geochemistry of the two investigated sites denote distinct catchment areas. High values of Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn detected in sediments collected in the Po River prodelta (S1 site) suggest the Po River supply, while lower levels of these elements characterize sediments collected in front of the Rimini coast (E1 site), an indication of Northern Apennines provenance. Historical trends of Pb and Zn reconstructed from the sedimentary record around the E1 site document several changes that can be correlated with the industrialization subsequent to World War II, the implementation of the environmental policy in 1976 and the effects of the Comacchio dumping at the end of 1980. At the S1 site, the down core distributions of trace elements indicate a reduction of contaminants due to the introduction of the Italian Law 319/76 and the implementation of anti-pollution policies on automotive Pb (unleaded fuels) in the second half of the 1980s.

The Gaiola Underwater Park is a small Marine Protected Area located in Naples (Italy), funded in 2002 to preserve the biological and archaeological heritage. In fact, because of the metropolitan context in which it is integrated, the area is subject to constant anthropic pressure, which often results in illegal activities, especially in the fishing sector. In this work, the results of 5 years of monitoring and control of illegal fishing inside the MPA are presented. This research had an important impulse in 2015, thanks to the collected data and to the methodology developed within the Gaiola MedPAN Project. The experience acquired in these years resulted in the funding of the StAMM Project, a permanent station for the monitoring, control and prevention of environmental offences in the MPA.