Background In 2003 the province of Agrigento, on the south coast of Sicily, completed a LIFE project (LIFE99 NAT/IT/006271 - Urgent conservation measures of Caretta caretta in the Pelagian Islands) aimed at the conservation of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). It targeted two Natura 2000 sites in the Pelagian islands, Lampedusa and Linosa. The project set up a rescue centre and veterinary laboratory for the loggerhead sea turtle, and started an awareness campaign aimed in particular at local fishermen. A priority species, this turtle is often the by-catch of commercial sea fishing. More than 350 turtles have been rescued and returned to the sea since the start of the project. The species is also threatened by disturbance of nesting sites by visitors, in particular during the summer season. Another species threatened by fishing and sea traffic problems, which were not addressed in the 1999 LIFE project, is the EU-listed bottlenose dolphin (Tursiups truncatus). According to Agrigento province there were more than 200 sightings of this species in the project area in 2001 and 2002. Objectives This project, in part continuation of the first LIFE project in the same area, planned to improve the existing rescue centre and create a new one on the Sicilian coast. Fishing gear, modified to reduce by-catches of the loggerhead turtle, would be tested at sea. The province of Agrigento would use satellite data to identify the main habitats of the bottlenose dolphin, monitor their population and analyse its interaction with fishing activities. Use of an acoustic deterrent system linked to fishing nets to ward off dolphins would be tried out. An action plan for the bottlenose dolphin would be prepared for implementation in the recently designated Pelegian Islands Protected Marine Reserve. Awareness-raising activities aimed at local fishermen, tourists and local administrations, started in the previous project, would be continued. The project also foresaw the organisation of a training course for fishermen to promote conservation-friendly fishing practices and dolphin watching as a new commercial activity. Results The project implemented effective conservation measures for the two target species in the Pelagian Islands and in the southern coast of Sicily. In particular, the use of "circle hooks" was introduced for the first time in the Mediterranean. These hooks reduce the by-catches of sea turtle without decreasing the catches of swordfish. As part of the project, three sea turtle recovery centres were set up. At Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, measures to reduce soil erosion on the steep slopes were carried out. Other measures included the summer monitoring of egg deposition on beaches of Lampedusa and along the southern coast of Sicily, the yearly monitoring of turtle sightings around Lampedusa and the monitoring of boat traffic and of the interaction with fishing activities. (Acoustic monitoring with submerged hydro-phones was carried out for the first time in the Mediterranean.) An action plan for turtles in the Pelagian islands areas was drawn up. The project directly involved stakeholders (fishermen, tourists, local administrators, teachers and students) in its activities and awareness campaign. Training days were organised to show how tourism (dolphin watching and the monitoring of the deposition beaches through volunteers summer camps) can help maintain the activities of the project. The use of compatible fishing tools and techniques also has an economic incentive; the reduction of by-catches and the reduced damages to the nets should be measurable in the short term. The beneficiary and CTS are seeking regional financing for the turtle recovery centres. The maintenance of interventions at the Spiaggia dei Conigli should be ensured by the staff of the Reserve, with co-financing by the region and the collaboration of the Regional Forest Service. An agreement has already been established with the University of Palermo for the monitoring of the restoration measures. To promote the use of circle hooks, the project contacted the Regional Council for Fishing and the National Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Regarding the implementation of the measures foreseen by the action plan, the management of the Marine Protected Area is confident that the financial resources will be made available by the Ministry of Environment. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).