Background The increasing frequency of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) at sea is having an increasing impact on coastal habitats (UNEP/FAO 2009). Nevertheless, estimates of the impact of ALDFG on biodiversity and the economy are scarce and very little has been done to reduce this problem. Concrete measures are necessary to recover and improve biodiversity, especially in habitats affected by fishing activities (e.g. trawling). The rocky habitats of the northern Adriatic are rich in biodiversity, making them an appropriate area for demonstrating restoration measures. Objectives The general aims of the project include: Promoting concrete measures to restore and preserve the ecological status of the rocky habitats located in the northern Adriatic Sea; Assessing the impact of ALDFG on biodiversity in the rocky habitats along the coast of Veneto Region; and Estimating the economic value of the ecosystem benefits resulting from the removal and/or reduction of ALDFG. Alongside these general objectives, the project has the following specific aims: Improving biodiversity in the rocky habitats ecosystem by removing ALDFG and transplanting the ‘noble pen shell’, a large saltwater clam (Pinna nobilis), thus demonstrating that these procedures can be applied to similar Mediterranean habitats; Testing and demonstrating the efficacy of methods to map, reduce and deactivate lost fishing gear and to propose a plan for the disposal/recycling of recovered nets; and Producing an effective protocol for ALDFG management in coastal areas, detailing implemented technical procedures and containing a proposal for an EU regulation. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results: The enhancement of local biodiversity through the total removal of ALDFG from 20 areas (eliminating so-called “ghost fishing”) and the restoration of natural habitat functions; and by the transplanting of 50 noble pen shell clams and the encrusting community on their shells to two receptor sites; A regulation proposal establishing preventive management measures for ALDFG as the first step towards the adoption of a specific legislative tool, at least at regional level; A database containing all the available information on the biological communities of the rocky habitats located in Veneto Region; A report on the economic value of ecosystem services that provides useful insights for identifying and quantifying the economic benefits of removing ALDFG. It will also contribute to an understanding of the feasibility (in terms of benefits) and effectiveness (in terms of results achieved and expenditure) of the conservation measures; A cost-benefit analysis to calculate whether to undertake ALDFG retrieval operations or use other management options; A technical protocol for the management of ALDFG in coastal marine areas, defining tools, equipment, procedures and guidelines for recovering different materials; and Raised awareness amongst stakeholders and the wider public of the ALDFG threat by providing better information on related environmental impacts. It is expected that the level of awareness will increase significantly, as it is currently very low.