“Conservation is a cause that has no end. There is no point at which we will say our work is finished” Rachel Carson

About

Phreatic is a not-for-profit organization based in Cala Gonone (Sardinia, Italy), founded by a group of extreme environment explorers, scientists and researchers. We started our operations in 2014, in the Supramonte plateau and the Gulf of Orosei. We are mainly active in the Mediterranean basin and our projects cover an ever-growing spectrum of scientific subjects, such as environmental processes, geology, speleology, marine biology and conservation of delicate ecosystems, including: hypogene environments, groundwater resources, marine caves and their integration with coastal environment.

Mission

Explore, Know, Protect. Phreatic exists to advance knowledge about groundwater resources and marine caves, and to insure their protection and conservation.

Mission

Activities

Cave systems and aquifers are being damaged and destroyed because many people do not understand their value. Most of the coastal and marine areas in the Mediterranean Sea are affected by anthropogenic impact and for most of them there is scarce information; less than 7% of them are designated as Marine Protected Areas. Phreatic supports an ever-growing spectrum of projects aimed at increasing knowledge of these delicate environments and promoting public awareness about their importance.

Survey

Understanding caves and costal underwater environments requires mapping and surveying. We use both traditional techniques and new digital instruments to build digital cartography.

3D Model

Representing a cave in a 3D model is aesthetically very pleasing but generally not very accurate. We have introduced new techniques allowing a closer match, but especially we have developed tools and methodologies for underwater cave photogrammetry.

Sediment Analysis

Collecting samples and cores for researchers is a delicate task; not only it requires solid understanding of the specific techniques, but also communication between divers and researchers to ensure proper application and scientific method.

Exploration​

Despite true cave exploration is a task that only few people can accomplish, we strongly believe in a team approach; this does not mean only pushing boundaries in a team comprising divers and non-divers alike, but also publishing the results and involving local communities.

Media

Photo and video experts have captured each and every operation run during the campaigns and we will continue to produce materials that document the work, but especially will allow the whole community to understand and appreciate the importance of citizen science and preservation of the environment.

Paleontology

Conservation and protection of palaeontological remains starts with survey and study in situ, using media documentation and detailed 3D models to allow researchers to get a good understanding and local communities to appreciate the resources of their own areas.

Citizen Science

We believe in the power of Citizen Science. Over the years, we gathered a lot of experience in coordinating groups of volunteers, working with professional scientists to achieve common goals. Large volunteer networks often allow scientists to accomplish tasks that would be too expensive or time-consuming to accomplish through other means.

Researchers collaborating with Phreatic can count on our network of volunteers, recruited to carry out specific tasks according to the project scope and ranging from experienced recreational and technical divers, cave divers and speleologists.

PUBLICATIONS

Mission


Get involved

Every year we organise several projects and citizen science initiatives, open to volunteers from any country and with different backgrounds. Would you like to be part of the Phreatic team? Download our 2021 projects plan and chose the one that best suits your interests and experience. We are also open to new ideas: if you have a specific project that you would like to organise with us, that is not listed in our plan, just contact us!

2021 PROJECTS PLAN

Diver

Are you a certified diver interested in mission-oriented projects, team approach and with positive attitude? We need your support, especially if you have personal skill-sets that can benefit the project.

Researcher

Scientific diving and specific skills are a must, but useless unless directed into the proper direction. We need your input and ideas about research and science projects.

University or school

Dissemination of data and results is as important as instilling the spark into the next generation of researchers and students hosting seminars, workshops or presentations.

Student

Undergraduate and post graduate students are welcome to conduct research and work on their thesis with Phreatic.

Wilderness Addict

If your passions are sea, mountains, caves….and you would like to join the project, we are always looking for inspirational people with strong opinions and new ideas
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Organization

We welcome partnerships and collaborations with autonomous entities and foundations to better achieve common or compatible goals.

Partners

Stronger together! We partner up with companies and organizations that share our mission and want to have a role in protecting the precious underwater resources.