The first Leg I (6-13 December 2005) of CIESM-SUB2 brought together researchers from Italy, France and Morocco to investigate the region of the still poorly explored Sardinia-Sicily Channel and approached its scientific goals in a multidisciplinary manner. This CIESM initiative was designed to enhance the scientific exchange between the participants and their Institutions and to facilitate the flow of information.

Favouring a good working atmosphere during the campaign and encouraging the scientific collaborations in its aftermath, is very important for Francesca Budillon (CNR-IAMC, Napoli, Italy), the chief scientist.

To document the activities and findings as well as to share the dynamics of the CIESM SUB2 team, two journalists were on board: Siri Campbell (from CIESM HQ; reporting in the daily log) and Werner Siefer (Science Editor, Focus magazine, Munich, Germany).

To find more personal comments on the cruise and impressions of some other participants:

Francesca Budillon (CNR-IAMC, Napoli, Italy), the chief scientist

Mohamed Sahabi (Geology; Faculte des Sciences El Jadida, Morocco)

Francesco Raffa (CTD data acquisition and processing; CNR-IAMC Messina, Italy)

Gian Marco Luna (Meiofauna, Benthos, biodiversity and viruses, Univ. of Ancona, Italy)

Sara Innagi (Geophysics acquisition; CNR-IAMC, Napoli, Italy)