Natural and Anthropogenic Marine Hazards and Earth’s Resources

Marine environments and ecosystems face numerous risk factors from both natural and human origins, acting on different spatial and temporal scales. These risks include sea warming, acidification, extreme weather and marine events, pollution (such as sewage spills, chemicals, plastics, and microplastics), maritime traffic, and the exploitation of biotic and abiotic resources (like hydrocarbons, geothermal energy, and seabed minerals). Other threats include eutrophication (e.g., hypertrophy, anoxia), invasive species, and geological events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and the resulting tsunamis. 

ISMAR plays a leading role in scientific research, both nationally and internationally, aimed at advancing the understanding of these natural and anthropogenic marine hazards and the processes that drive them. The institute’s efforts focus on fostering multidisciplinary and multi-scale collaborations to deliver effective responses through applied research and technological innovation. 

ISMAR’s work encompasses the study of geological, oceanographic, and biological processes that pose environmental and human risks, as well as those risks stemming from human activities. 

In particular, ISMAR contributes to the development of coupled physical models of the atmosphere and sea, which are used to analyze and predict sea conditions (e.g., sea level, waves, and temperature) and extreme events, from the open ocean to coastal areas. These models are enhanced by in situ and satellite measurements. 

The institute is also involved in assessing the sustainable use of geothermal resources in marine and coastal areas, as well as characterizing sediments and soils for subsurface thermal energy storage. 

In the field of hydrocarbon exploration and marine mineral resource extraction, ISMAR supports research aimed at ensuring the safety and environmental sustainability of these activities. This work contributes to the development of guidelines and best practices for the implementation of national and international regulations, including the assessment of geological hazards like faults, submarine landslides, and fluid seeps, which may be triggered by human activities. 

Furthermore, ISMAR is dedicated to studying the dispersion of pollutants in marine environments and evaluating the risks posed to ecosystems and human health. 

ISMAR’s work in these areas aligns with the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the European Union’s Good Environmental Status directive, and national initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and safety. Achieving these goals requires an understanding of diverse environments, a strategy for risk parameterization, and the development of adaptive mitigation strategies in response to ongoing global changes.