Italy's seas and coastal areas suffered a reported 22,956 environmental crimes in 2023, up 29.7% compared to the previous year, environmental organization Legambiente said in its annual report Mare Nostrum on Wednesday, according to ANSA.
Together with administrative offences, about 8.4 felonies were reported for every kilometre of coastline, one every 119 metres. These felonies included illegal building work - which contributed to 45% of the total crimes ascertained this year - and discharges of pollution and sewage as well as illegal fishing, Leegambiente explained.
The report was presented on the eve of the murder of Angelo Vassallo, the mayor of Pollica, a fisherman who dedicated his whole life to the sea and coastline of Cilento.
