Effects of protection rules and measures in an important international strait area: The Bonifacio Strait

The Strait of Bonifacio, between Sardinia and Corsica, is an area with environmental characteristics of great importance and uniqueness in the Mediterranean. Since the early '90s Italy and France have been trying to preserve the area through the creation of national and international marine parks, activating understandings to limit the danger of environmental emergencies and ensuring compliance with international agreements, both from the EC and IMO. The bilateral agreement of 1993 prohibits the passage through the Strait of Italian and French tankers and other ships with hazardous and noxious substances at full load, but it does not restrict the transit of ships from other countries or when empty. The analysis of 2000-2009 data of transits through the Strait of Bonifacio, derived from the Vessel Traffic Service provided by the Coast Guard of La Maddalena, shows the fulfilment of agreements within this maritime sector and their limits, and possible remedies are suggested. © 2012 2012 Taylor and Francis Group LLC.