Italian coasts and seas face a growing threat from illegal activities, according to the latest “Mare Nostrum” report by Legambiente. An increase in coastal crime of almost 30% occurred in 2023.
The environmental organisation presented its Mare Nostrum findings on the eve of the 14th anniversary of Angelo Vassallo’s murder, the “fisherman mayor” of Pollica, who dedicated his life to protecting the Cilento coast and its seas.
In 2023, environmental crimes surged to 22,956 cases, a 29.7% increase compared to 2022. Along with administrative violations, this averages to 8.4 crimes per kilometre of coast, or one every 119 metres. The illegal cement cycle, responsible for 45% of total offences, remains the most widespread crime, along with illegal waste disposal, pollution, and illegal fishing.
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Violations of recreational boating regulations also spiked, with 2,059 offences recorded in marine protected areas, a 230% increase from the previous year.
Legambiente stresses the urgency of reinforcing the role of institutions, from local municipalities to regional bodies and environmental agencies, to tackle these crimes. They have proposed ten measures to Parliament and the Government, addressing illegal practices, poor sewage treatment, waste mismanagement, and illegal fishing.
“This year’s Mare Nostrum report highlights the relentless daily efforts of the Port Authorities and police against crimes on our coasts and seas,” said Stefano Ciafani, Legambiente’s national president. “We need to strengthen all institutions’ roles, from local municipalities to regional bodies, in protecting our marine heritage.”
Areas for action
The organisation has outlined four main areas for action:
1. Fighting Illegal Building: Speed up the demolition of illegal buildings by providing funding for municipalities, prosecutors, and prefectures.
2. Improving Sewage Treatment: Invest in the construction and upgrading of sewage systems to avoid EU infringement procedures and improve overall management.
3. Managing Waste More Effectively: Fully implement EU directives on port waste reception facilities, strictly regulate sea discharges, and prevent waste abandonment.
4. Combating Illegal Fishing: Enforce stricter regulations and sanctions against illegal fishing practices.
Enrico Fontana, head of Legambiente’s Environment and Legality Observatory, highlighted the illegal cement cycle as a major concern.
“This remains the most significant share of environmental crimes,” he said. “Illegal building is a devastating phenomenon for the social, environmental, and economic development of Italy, particularly affecting the South and coastal areas.”
Crimes Concentrated in Regions with Mafia Presence
Half of the crimes recorded (50.3%) occurred in four regions with traditional mafia influence: Campania, Sicily, Puglia, and Calabria. Campania reported the highest number, with 3,095 criminal offences, followed by Sicily (3,061), Puglia (3,016), and Calabria (2,371). Lazio and Tuscany followed closely behind.
The report also revealed a dramatic rise in illegal fishing crimes. Sicily topped the rankings with 1,872 violations, while Puglia, Lazio, and Liguria also reported high numbers. Abruzzo recorded the highest number of crimes per kilometre of coast.
Legambiente’s Ten Proposals to Tackle Environmental Crime
Legambiente is calling for a series of measures, including:
- Restoring the effectiveness of laws empowering prefects to demolish illegal buildings.
- Allocating funds to municipalities for enforcing demolition orders.
- Strengthening regulations on maritime property occupation.
- Introducing tougher sanctions against municipal officials who fail to enforce laws on building abuse.
- Promoting efficient wastewater management and enhancing waste treatment regulations.
- Tightening controls on illegal fishing practices.
“The illegal cement cycle and waste disposal are scarring Italy’s coasts,” Fontana added. “It’s vital that we act firmly and swiftly to reverse these damaging trends.”
As environmental crimes continue to rise, Legambiente is urging the Italian government to adopt their proposals, ensuring a safer, cleaner future for Italy’s coastlines and seas.
