For over 30 years marine biodiversity in Ustica has been protected: in 1986 it was the local fishermen themselves who wanted to establish the first marine reserve in Italy to protect this unique sea and its biodiversity. Thus today the waters around Ustica are still populated by several species of fish: brown groupers, tuna, amberjack, dentex, barracuda, saddle breams, common octopus and lobsters. Often also Caretta caretta turtles may be spotted, as well as different types of cetaceans and the typical red shrimp.
The Marine Protected Area of Ustica, together with universities and research institutions coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment, monitor the ecosystem. Annual checks are carried out on the sea flora and fauna, but also on the compatibility with fishing and tourist activities. Another activity of the Marine Area is dedicated to publicizing and teaching. For this purpose, guided seawatching tours and excursions on canoes with transparent bottom are organized within the strict reserve area. The Marine Protected Area of Ustica is divided into three zones, A, B and C, according to the protection level: strict, general, partial. Underwater fishing is not allowed in the whole area.

At Hotel Clelia we will be glad to help you organize your holiday to explore Ustica and its Marine Protected Area.