Sardinia remains among the regions most affected by environmental crimes affecting its sea and coasts.
According to data from Legambiente's Mare Monstrum 2026 report, 1,356 crimes were detected on the island in 2025. In addition, 4,556 administrative offenses were detected along the coast.
The island thus ranks seventh in the national rankings for crimes, and third for administrative sanctions against the sea and coasts. Pollution once again leads the regional rankings, with 539 confirmed crimes , placing Sardinia fifth in the country for this type of crime. Between illegal waste management, unauthorized discharges, and critical wastewater treatment systems, the sea continues to be the primary recipient of pressures that jeopardize the environmental quality of the coasts and marine waters.
In 2025, 799 people were reported, 79 seizures were carried out, and 296 administrative offenses were contested, with fines totaling more than €9.5 million. Next in line is the phenomenon of illegal coastal construction , in which the island jumped from eleventh to sixth place in the national ranking, with 358 crimes.
Illegal fishing represents the third marine environmental emergency on the island , with 252 confirmed crimes, 375 administrative offenses and over 14 tons of fish products seized.
Over the past year, Port Authorities' enforcement activities have also extended to the entire commercial chain, leading to the seizure of untraceable products and the identification of facilities that do not comply with health and environmental regulations.
"The data from Mare Monstrum 2026 demonstrate that marine protection can no longer be taken for granted," says Marta Battaglia , president of Legambiente Sardegna. "Sardinia's coasts and sea represent immense environmental, social, and economic capital, an integral part of the island's identity, and must be preserved and cared for effectively and with adequate resources. This past summer highlights the need to , especially in protected areas, to prevent tourism from causing irreversible damage to the environment."
