Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo

Schéma ISEA :

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Territory :

Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area is located in the North - Western cost of the Sardinia, in the South of Olbia Gulf, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. The MPA boundaries are delimitated by Ceraso Cape, in the North, and Finocchio Creek, in the South including the Islands present in this zone (i.e. Tavolara, Molara and Molarotto Rossa and Piana).

Physical characteristic :

The rectangular shape of Tavolara Island is strictly related to its geomorphologic development and to the constant action of the atmospheric agents. The South part of the Island, named “Spalmatore di Terra”, is characterised by an almost level rocky line that divides two different sides. The Eastern side presents several pebbles inlets delimitated by granitic rocks.

Specificity and importance :

The Islands of Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo MPA are important Mediterranean breeding sites for migratory birds, such as for example Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan) Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), Audouin’s Gull (Larus adouinii). Regarding the marine environment, the upper mediolittoral rock of Molara and Molarotto are characterised by the presence of belts colonized mainly by Patella ferruginea and Lithophyllum byssoides. The distribution of this last encrusting coralline algae is specially developed in the South – Western side of Tavolara, because of the presence of calcareous cliffs, and in the North - Western side of Molara, because of the wider exposition to the wave action. The fish fauna is characterised by an important biodiversity at the Species level specially in proximity of Posidonia oceanica meadow during the night and the winter. The more common Families belong to Pomacentrids, Scorpenids, Labrids and Sparids, but also Serranids with the common presence of Epinephelus marginatus with individuals of different sizes. Marine mammals are also present with Tursiops truncatus, Grampus griseus and Balenoptera physalus.

Threats and Pressures :

The main exploitation activity of natural resources is represented by the fishery. In the Tavolara MPA operate a fishery fleet composed of 22 boats with 31 fishermen. In the MPA are used tools such as trammel net (86,4%). The fisherman that operate in the area have declared to perceived the protection effect exercised by the MPA on the fish fauna, in fact, 96% of them fish inside the MPA, in the respect of the MPA rules. The marine fauna can be also threatened during the summer because of the traffic of yachts. For example, several studies have demonstrated how the noise generated by the navigation, over the limits suggested by the MPA rules, can affect the natural behavior of Cetaceans.

Ecological characteristics :

The Islands and the coast, geomorphologically strongly different among them, favours the presence of different marine and terrestrial habitats. In the territories of Tavolara MPA are present psammophillous and halophyte littoral areas (such as calcareous cliff with Seseli bocconei). The terrestrial landscape is also characterized by phryga of Centaurea horrida, endemic of the Tavolara mountain and of Juniper matorral, such as Juniperus phonicea, typical of Molara. About 30 endemic plants species are present in Tavolara Island, some of these have their locus classicus in this Island, such as Asplenuim petrarche, others have an important phytogeographic value.

Management :

The local governments of Olbia, Lori (Porto S. Paolo) and S. Teodoro, Area Marina Protetta Tavolara, direzione@amptavolara.it

The Management Plan develops the MPA policy and includes the terrestrial management for the coastal area afferents the MPA. The Management tools are addressed to the local administrations and the Sardinia Region Government whether there are not of competence of the Environmental Ministry. The Management Plan foresees activities in cooperation with the local economy, such as the local business activities, and with the voluntary associations.

Geographical position :

Region: Sardinia, Province: Olbia - Tempio Pausania