There is an invisible and profound bond that connects the hands of those who cast nets to the health of our waters—a silent pact that endures through time.
On 11 April 2026, WWF Italy organised a closing event for the NETTAG+ project in the Sicilian village of Spadafora (Messina). The location was chosen because it served as one of the project pilot site, with the local fishing association CoGePa actively participating as a project partner.
WWF hosted a morning of celebration to share the project’s results and inaugurate a big mural donated to the village. This artwork serves as a lasting tribute to the project and the deep connection between people, particularly fishers, and the sea. Sea and land are not separate entities; the health and protection of one directly sustains the other.
“NETTAG+ has strengthened awareness within the fishing community of the central role fishers play in marine conservation, initiating a discussion on the need to improve marine waste management and making the recovery of ghost gear more effective, with tangible benefits for both the environment and everyday work at sea.” (Elettra Giampaoletti, Marine Project Manager WWF Italy)
Art, Science, and Community
The event successfully integrated scientific dissemination, urban regeneration, and cultural heritage, fostering a deep sense of belonging among local stakeholders.
NETTAG+ results were presented to fishers and stakeholders through illustrated postcards created by artist Alessandra Zaffiro (https://www.instagram.com/tratto_vivo/). This “poetic” dissemination strategy translated complex scientific data into an accessible, immediate format, sparking discussion on final outcomes and future sustainability.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a large mural in the “Pesce Cantato” area, a site dedicated to fishing activities that had recently suffered from neglect. Created by Messina-based artist NessuNettuno (https://www.instagram.com/nessunettuno/), the work serves as a permanent symbol of aesthetic and cultural rebirth.
To reinforce the link between the project and local identity, the event featured a street theater performance of “U Cuntu” (The Tale) of Colapesce, starring actress Donatella La Macchia. By weaving Sicily’s legendary roots with contemporary mural art, the performance engaged the audience in a dialogue about marine protection through the lens of traditional storytelling.
The event was attended by approximately 70 participants, including representatives from the local municipality and association and citizens.
NETTAG+ Lives On in Spadafora
The mural now stands not just as a memento of the project, but as a sign that, together, we can make a difference.
A plaque placed on one of the wooden structures, featuring the project logos and a QR code, links to a film about the devices produced by NETTAG+ filmed in this very territory last year. These elements will continue to tell the story of the NETTAG+ project to the people of Spadafora and all who pass by.
