Protected Marine Area Punta Campanella

Between the beautiful waters of the gulfs of Naples and Salerno, the Punta Campanella Marine Park is led by a consortium of six municipalities: Massa Lubrense, Piano di Sorrento, Positano, Sant’Agnello, Sorrento and Vico Equense. It embraces the promontory that divides the Gulf of Naples from that of Salerno, classified as a “specially protected area of Mediterranean interest”. The protected marine areas are constituted by marine environments given by the waters, the seabed, and the stretches of coast that are of interest for the natural, geomorphological, physical, and biochemical characteristics, with particular regard to marine flora and fauna.

Biodiversity

The marine area of Punta Campanella is located in a landscape of high biodiversity, favored by particular microclimates, and is the subject of scientific studies around the world. In the waters of the “Land of the Sirens” thanks to unforgettable diving you can meet a remarkable variety of animal and vegetable organisms, with a predominance of green, brown and red algae, and the presence of sea urchins, starfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and sea anemones.

Location

The territory of the Marine Protected Area has a subdivision into areas called “Zone A”, “Zone B” and “Zone C”. In each area are different degrees of protection, in order to combine the preservation of environmental values with the sustainable use of the marine environment. More specifically, the following:

Integral protection of nature

• Zone A is an integral reserve, forbidding to all activities that may cause damage or disturbance to the marine environment. It’s the real heart of the reserve. In this area, identified in small areas, only scientific research activities, service activities, and underwater tours are allowed.

Proper land management for environmentally friendly tourism

• In zone B, the general reserve zone, a series of activities are allowed, with the authorization of the Managing Authority, which, while granting fruition and sustainable use of the environment, affects with the least possible impact. Even Zone B is usually not very extensive.

Development of local economic realities

• Zone C is a partial reserve and represents the band between the areas of greatest naturalistic value and the areas outside the Marine Protected Area. Activities of sustainable use of the sea of modest environmental impact are permitted. The largest extension of a Marine Protected Area usually falls in Zone C.

How can you preserve this wonder of nature?

Here are some basic rules to protect the sea of Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area:

• Prefer the use of public transport or bicycles, as our seas absorb about 25% of carbon dioxide emissions from transport. By making water more acidic, CO2 damages many marine species.
• Pay attention to cosmetics and beauty products. Also avoid washing with shampoo and body wash on the beach, especially if they are not biodegradable.
• Do not collect shells, sand, and other natural elements.
• Do not anchor in zone B: lately, demarcation buoys have been installed against the anchorage below the coast.
• Do not anchor on the prairies of Posidonia, a plant that grows only in the Mediterranean and has a fundamental role in the ecosystem. It makes a very important contribution to combating climate change, as well as mitigating coastal erosion.

Ready to enjoy an unforgettable day in this corner of paradise, respecting nature? We are waiting for you!