Marine Protected Area Capo Rizzuto
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Area Marina Protetta Capo Rizzuto is a small scale coastal marine reserve located along the 'heel' of the boot of Italy. It is divided into three zones that each have their own level of protection.
- Zone-A, Integral Reserve - Fully closed for all disturbing activities, including scuba diving, bathing, fishing and shipping. Only scientific research, emergency services and trips organised by the management board are allowed in the area.
- Zone-B, General Reserve - The zones directly surrounding the integral reserves. Most activities are allowed as long as they adhere some basic limitations; e.g. no motor sailing faster than five knots, no anchoring or mooring. Fishing activities are limited to residential fishing with line and rods.
- Zone-C, Partial Reserve - The remainder of the reserve adheres mostly the same limitations as the general reserve but with a less stringent regime. Motor sailing is limited to ten knots.
The marine reserve is located in the Italian province of Crotone and its official centre is located at 38°58’N / 17°13'E. The Capo Rizzuto area encompasses roughly 13.500 hectares of open water, bordering 37 kilometres of coastline. It is placed on the easternmost part of Calabria and leads into the waters of the Ionian Sea.
[edit] Protection
The area is protected under the Barcelona Convention (Specially Protected Area) and a number of national acts. Most noticeable the Natural Marine Protected Area (decree of February 19, 2002). The Italian Ministry of Environment is the supervising body, day to day management is placed with the Province of Crotone.
First protection came in 1982 when parts of the current reserve were placed among the initial 21 marine protected site to be protected in Italy. On December 27, 1991 the reserve was officially established.
