Least ConcernGreater Pipefish
Syngnathus acus
A volcanic island with basalt rock bottoms, arches and caves, protected for almost forty years. Zone A, the fully protected core, extends some 60 ha from the headland north of Punta Spalmatore to Punta Megna.
Depth
3–20 m
Recommended level
Open Water
Average visibility
25 m
A marine protected area on the volcanic island of Ustica, with underwater lava formations and very clear water.
Isola di Ustica Marine Protected Area, created by decree of 12 November 1986: Italy's first marine reserve. 15,951 ha and some 15 km of coastline, divided into zone A (integral reserve), zone B (general reserve) and zone C (partial reserve). It is also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Community Importance
The reserve was not imposed from outside: it was the island's own fishermen who asked for it to be created, and that is how Italy's first marine protected area came into being.
Sources consulted: Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica (MASE), listado oficial de aree marine protette · it.wikipedia · leterrazzeustica.it
Which other dive sites are like this one?
Same country: Italy
Same country: Italy
Same country: Italy
Based on what we already know about this dive site.
Water temperature
22 °C
Current
Weak
Access
Shore
Best season
May-October
Recommended certification
Open Water
Approx. price
40 USD / dive
Same country: Italy
Italy