A Christmas present for Italian marine environments 🎁

Project Update: FISHOMES Artificial Reefs Take Root

in San Bartolo Marine Protected Area 🌊

What began as a hands-on educational and environmental initiative funded via the competitive Open Call process supported by Horizon SHORE project is rapidly growing into a powerful example of how community, science, and creativity can come together to promote regenerative biodiversity. At the heart of the project is the construction of artificial reef “fish homes” — designed and built with care to support marine life by creating new habitats on the seabed. These structures aim to restore ecological balance, encourage species diversity, and strengthen the resilience of local marine ecosystems.

Growing Through Education and Collaboration

One of the most exciting developments is the expansion of the project into more schools. Alongside our ongoing collaboration with Istituto Comprensivo Dante Alighieri, we are now working closely with Liceo Marconi in Pesaro. Thanks to this growth, student participation has risen to 150 engaged young learners, all actively involved in learning about marine ecology, sustainability, and hands-on environmental stewardship.

Guiding this journey is FISHOMES mentor Michele Belfiore, who is dedicating an impressive 20 hours of lessons each week. Through these sessions, students are not only learning theory but also gaining practical experience in design, materials, and ecological thinking—skills that will stay with them far beyond this project. We are also deeply grateful for the support of the Municipality of Gabicce, also located in the Pesaro-Urbino Province. Their enthusiasm and practical help have been invaluable. In particular, they will facilitate conversations with local fishermen, whose knowledge of the sea and assistance will be essential in safely transporting and placing the fish homes into the water. This collaboration beautifully bridges tradition and innovation, uniting generations around a shared goal of protecting the marine environment.

Looking Ahead, Sharing the Story of the FISHOMES Horizon Europe journey

As a SHORE funding recipient under Horizon Europe, this experience has been nothing short of transformative. To capture the learning, emotions, and impact of this journey, we will soon begin writing a small book that tells the story of the project — from the classroom to the sea. It will be a reflection on collaboration, education, and the joy of participating in a European initiative dedicated to a more sustainable future.

Thank you to everyone..... students, teachers, mentors, institutions, municipalities, and fishermen who are making this project possible. #FISHOMES are coming to life, and with them, a renewed hope for the marine biodiversity of Italian waters.

#HorizonEurope #SHORE #biodiversity #marinehabitat #regeneration #sustainability #Pesaro #GabicceMare