January 9, 2026, marks the formal conclusion of LIFE Conceptu Maris, after four years of international collaboration dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans and sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea.

It’s a conclusion that brings with it a certain nostalgia: intense years of shared work, the sea, data collection, and meetings. But it’s also a moment of reflection and revitalization. The results achieved don’t end with the project: they become a solid foundation on which to continue building new research, conservation, and public engagement activities.

On the project website, you can:

• Consult a summary of the main findings in the Layman’s Report, designed to make the project’s most significant data and outcomes accessible to all.
• Explore the scientific and methodological aspects through the technical documents and project reports.
• Watch the documentary and scientific video available on the project’s YouTube channel, which recount the work at sea, the people involved, and the stories collected along the monitoring routes.

Finally, even though LIFE Conceptu Maris formally concludes, citizen science activities will continue. Throughout 2026, some of the monitoring routes will remain active and will continue to offer opportunities for volunteers.
An updated list of the routes still operational, for which applications will be available, will be available at the end of January.
Previously submitted applications remain valid, but calls for routes that can welcome new participants will also be reopened, with updated application forms.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all the people, institutions, and partners who have contributed to this journey, and to those who will continue to be involved in the activities in the coming months. News and updates regarding the project and its activities will continue to be posted on the LIFE Conceptu Maris website and social media.

The sea still has many stories to tell.

Un grazie sentito va a tutte le persone, le istituzioni e i partner che hanno contribuito a questo percorso, e a chi continuerà a essere parte delle attività nei prossimi mesi. Sul sito e sui social di LIFE Conceptu Maris continueranno ad uscire notizie e aggiornamenti relativi al progetto e alle sue attività.

Il mare ha ancora molte storie da raccontare.