Emilia-Romagna ranks second in Italy for maritime crime density

The Legambiente “Mare Monstrum 2026” report reveals that Emilia-Romagna ranks second in Italy for the density of maritime crimes relative to its coastline, trailing only Basilicata. In 2025, the region recorded 2,605 offenses, averaging 19.9 per kilometer of coast.

Key illegal activities in Emilia-Romagna include the cement cycle with 980 offenses, followed by illegal fishing with 739 cases, pollution related to waste management and sewage with 484 cases, and navigation code violations with 402 cases. Regarding fishing, authorities seized 33 tons of seafood along the regional coast.

Nationally, the report notes approximately 57,000 total infractions in 2025, averaging over six irregularities per hour. While overall crime statistics decreased by about 20% compared to 2024, analysts suggest this may be due to a reduction in inspections rather than a decline in activity. Pollution remains a primary concern, accounting for nearly 36% of national cases.