Case
Studies
01
Portfolio
Main Projects
Mapping of the Posidonia oceanica Habitat in the Bay of Cala di Volpe and Creation of the Biocenotic Map
Client: One Ocean Foundation (Milan)
The creation of a biocenotic map of a marine area is a preliminary step for any intervention on the seabed. In the case of the Cala di Volpe mooring field, the purpose is to assess the condition of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow in the area, with a view to potential restoration through replanting.
The map will be produced using Side Scan Sonar (SSS) surveys, generating a photomosaic of the seabed from which different biocenoses, including P. oceanica meadows, will be identified. This analysis will quantitatively distinguish areas with living and dead seagrass, allowing for the evaluation of suitable sites for reforestation efforts.
Subsequent ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) video surveys will provide a broader, qualitative assessment of the meadow’s condition. Finally, SCUBA dives with targeted sampling of Posidonia leaves and rhizomes will confirm the health status and any degradation of the seagrass.
Assessment of the Amount of CO₂ Sequestered by the Posidonia oceanica Meadow in the Cala di Volpe Area
Client: One Ocean Foundation (Milan)
The volume of Posidonia oceanica will be determined through Subottom Profiler surveys using CHIRP technology.
These surveys will provide data on the seabed’s depth (thickness of the mat + leaves).
This information will be used to create a 3D model of the Posidonia oceanica meadow. From the model, data will be extracted to quantify the amount of CO₂ sequestered by the meadow.
The quantification will be based on models by Serrano et al., 2016 and Monnier et al., 2021, which estimate the organic carbon content of the P. oceanica mat in the western Mediterranean at 75 ± 13 kg Corg m−2 for the upper portion of the mat (247 ± 36 cm).
Extraordinary Maintenance and Marine Protection Works of the Nora Archaeological Site, Municipality of Pula (CA)
Client: MARTECH (Cagliari)
The environmental investigations will cover several aspects, beginning with the general territorial and environmental characterization of the study area, followed by a visual analysis of the seabed to define the boundaries of the Posidonia oceanica meadow. Data will also be collected on the density and on phenological and lepidochronological aspects of the meadow. Survey activities will be conducted using non-invasive methods, avoiding destructive techniques such as the mechanical removal of rhizomes.
The assessment of the meadow’s health status will be carried out through the integration of various ecological descriptors, including the absolute and relative density of leaf bundles, the degree of rhizome uprooting, and estimates of seabed coverage by potential substitute species such as Cymodocea nodosa. Linear intersection transects (LIT) and synthetic ecological indices, such as the Conservation Index (CI), will also be used to describe the state of the system. Lastly, the investigations will include the characterization of the main benthic communities and faunal analysis, carried out through video footage and imagery acquired using ROVs.
Habitat protection activities through the creation of mooring fields in the Capo Caccia – Isola Piana Marine Protected Area
Client: Special Agency of Porto Conte (Alghero)
The assignment involves providing engineering and architectural services for the design, safety coordination, specialist studies, construction supervision, and final certification for the installation of mooring fields aimed at protecting marine habitats in the Capo Caccia – Isola Piana Marine Protected Area. This project is part of the EU-funded PNRR – NextGenerationEU under the ecological transition mission.
Additional investigative services include geological, ecological, and archaeological studies—supported by digital bathymetric surveys and professional divers—to map the seabed and identify suitable mooring locations. These investigations will help define technical solutions, assess environmental and cultural impacts, estimate costs, and support environmental assessment procedures.
Geophysical Survey for Marine Stratigraphic Profiling in Porto Torres
Client: SHELTER srl (Milano)
The project involves the acquisition of marine stratigraphic profiles through indirect surveys in an industrial area located in Porto Torres.
Specifically, the activities will include Side Scan Sonar surveys, Sub Bottom Profiler surveys, and surveys using the Sparker method.
The acquired data will be interpreted and presented in a detailed geophysical report.