State of the World from NPR This Underwater Sculpture Garden Protects Italian Fishing Grounds
Jul 29, 2025
Ruth Sherlock, an NPR News correspondent, takes listeners to Talamone, Italy, where a creative fisherman transforms his waters into an underwater sculpture garden. This artistic endeavor not only beautifies the sea with mermaids and giants but also serves as a barrier against trawling nets that threaten marine life. The podcast highlights how art acts as both a shield for ecosystems and a home for local octopuses, showcasing a unique blend of creativity and conservation that is inspiring a community.
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Fanchulli's Sculpture Guardians
- Paolo Fanchulli created an underwater sculpture garden to protect marine life by deterring harmful trawling nets.
- The statues, including mermaids and sleeping giants, act as guardians to prevent industrial-scale fishing damage.
Sculptures Halt Trawling Damage
- The sculpture and concrete block installation stops trawling nets by tearing them, protecting the ecosystem.
- It creates a safe zone where marine life is recovering and attracting both fish and tourists.
Sustainable Fishing Practices
- Paolo shows sustainable fishing by checking each fish and releasing young or breeding fish back into the sea.
- He untangles a small electric stingray, which shocks when touched but is safely returned to the water.