Diving Sicily's Ferdinandea Volcano: Geology And Biodiversity Combined

A submerged volcanic island which has often been an island above sea level, but which is currently eroded and lying with its summit just 6 meters beneath the surface, Ferdinandea is part of the underwater volcano Empedocles, and one of a number of submerged volcanoes which in sum are known as the Campi Flegrei del Mar di Sicilia.  It is located just 30 kilometers south of Sicily, and was last  known to appear above the waves after an eruption in 1831.  By no means a dead volcano, Ferdinandea has shown signs of volcanic activity in the recent past, with seismic activity having been recorded since about the year 2000.  

Geology 

Ferdinandea is large enough that land disputes caused problems during the years when it was above the surface; and, as a seamount, it rises up from the ocean floor over 400 meters below.  Formed at the collision points of the European and African tectonic plates, it was visited by Sir Walter Scott and it provided the inspiration for James Fenimore Cooper's book The Crater, or Vulcan's Peak, along with other books by Alexandre Dumas and Jules Verne.   Scientists have noted that the volcano periodically releases gases; and, a marble plaque placed there to mark it as Sicilian territory has cracked and crumbled - some say due to vandalism - but more likely due to seismic tremors.  

Biodiversity

Like other underwater seamounts and peaks, Ferdinandea is a hot spot for biodiversity, as the area provides both shelter and nutrients for fish and other marine life.  Algae and corals, as well as sponges and plenty of invertebrates can be found here, creating a spectacular contrast with the black volcanic sand and rocks that cover the seamount. 

As the Mediterranean is home to more than 700 species of fish, and countless other aquatic species including a wealth of crustaceans and invertebrates of all kinds, you never quite know what you'll find as you make your way from the tip of the volcano down along its rocky sides.  Most divers never feel the need to go much deeper than about 25 meters here, although much deeper dives are certainly possible - perhaps this is because there is so much to see in the shallows near Ferdinandea's summit!   Watch for brilliantly colored sea stars in shades of red, purple, and orange, along with colorful crabs and shrimp; and look for schooling bream and other small fish as well.  If you are very lucky, you might spot a few tuna or other pelagics in the area, but don't count on it as overfishing has devastated the local population to the point where divers rarely see them around Ferdinandea anymore.  Other species seen but rarely encountered include six gill sharks and white sharks, marlin, swordfish, and mullet.  Ongoing conservation attempts are underway, so it is hoped that fish numbers will begin to increase again in the future. 

There are many dive operators in Sicily, and Ferdinandea is a very popular dive site with locals as well as with travelers.  You'll also find an abundance of food and wine, not to mention some outstanding topside attractions to keep you busy when you're not vacationing.  Bring your camera and your favorite dive buddy - there are not many places in the world where you can summit a 400 meter tall mountain in only a short dive!