Protecting the sea is an extremely ambitious task. Especially if you decide to focus on defending the Mediterranean: a closed basin, particularly rich in biodiversity, but surrounded by well populated coasts and subject to aggressions of all kinds.
To carry out effective and successful actions, TRITON needs to be able to count on a team made up of people who bring different skills, each individual responsible for a precise expertise, equipped with a professionalism that can hit the mark in its field. At TRITON we work hard to create a small army of experts where everyone stands out for their own talent but is equally able to cooperate with each other and participate in a common project.
The first step is to find the resources necessary to operate such a complex machine. Then, you need a small fleet of boats to take to take the sea. Boats which must then be led by experts, able not only to navigate, but also to perform the tasks required by researchers, when launching instruments at sea, or to approach some species of cetaceans is necessary. Or, again, to assist divers during their dives.
Researchers, who are at the core of TRITON, try to reveal the mechanisms of the marine ecosystems by using their skills: our fundamental awareness is that every single creature has its place in its ecosystem. It forms part of a fundamental and irreplaceable niche. Every scientist is aware of that. And knows that only working side by side with colleagues specialized in different and complementary study areas will be possible to achieve significant results.
Just as an example, an expert of sea fans will need the help of those who study the sea currents and the flow of nutrients necessary for the underwater forest to be able to survive, as well as the mathematician who will be able to collect data in a complex data base in order to conduct a series of observations and evaluations fundamental to draw some conclusions. Some researchers are permanently hired by TRITON; others offer their contribution. Others have offered to run a fascinating research project and will be supported by the foundation.
TRITON’s desire is to compose a mosaic. Rich and captivating. Astonishing and complete. In such a way that science can take a small step forward and so that ordinary citizens can appreciate the beauty of our sea and admire its complexity. This is why an essential part of TRITON’s crew is dedicated to promote awareness, to publicize its activities and the work of its researchers.
We want to convey the charm of studying the sea, biology and earth sciences to the next generations. To understand how the union of forces, the amalgam of various scientific disciplines is the only way to understand nature.
To understand in which ways nature is most vulnerable. And from that moment onwards, trying to put together effective strategies to protect each environment. Triton offers its energy to research institutes or to Marine protected areas. To collaborate together in a modern and efficient way for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea.
