The Europe Marine Transborder Transect (EMTT) Project represents a significant collaborative effort to standardize and enhance the monitoring of large marine vertebrates—including cetaceans and sea turtles—across European waters. Leveraging large vessels such as ferries and cargo ships as observational platforms, the project brings together major European networks, including the FLT MED Network led by ISPRA and the networks in the North East Atlantic and in the Macaronesian region, along with research bodies from southern Mediterranean countries like Tunisia and Morocco.
This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between these networks and develop harmonized protocols for marine environmental monitoring. Through coordinated efforts involving public research institutes, NGOs, IMPEL members, and private stakeholders, the project contributes directly to the implementation of European Union environmental directives and supports informed policy and conservation actions.
Outcomes
The key outcomes include a harmonized monitoring handbook, detailed data analysis for identifying conservation priorities, standardized data formats and validation guidelines, and an overview of current monitoring practices. These outputs collectively enhance cross-border collaboration, data comparability, and the effectiveness of marine biodiversity conservation in Europe.
The complete project deliverables can be accessed from the "Project Outcomes" menu on the right-hand side.