Reducing the carbon footprint of the port of Vigo

The PuertAlMar project set out to demonstrate how co-existence between human activities and the environment is possible, through conserving and restoring parts of the port while also benefitting the development of fishing activities. To help reach these ambitious goals, the University of Vigo designed innovative structures to recreate lost marine habitats within the port. These artificial structures were developed using “biomimetic” techniques that imitate elements of nature. The structures were then installed under existing pontoons to attract marine organisms.

Over the course of a year, the structures were monitored to evaluate the composition, abundance and diversity of the marine organisms settling on them. The functions of this new artificial ecosystem were then studied to understand its effect on socio-economic activities and especially the mitigation of climate change through CO2 fixation.

Moreover, to improve the connection between the port and the city, the project also implemented activities to raise awareness about the importance of improving the ecological status of the coastline affected by the port structures. This included installing information panels in the port, public dissemination campaigns (videos, brochures and handbooks) and the organisation of seminars, workshops, and open days to visit the port. These mobilised port staff, fishers, universities, schools, consultants and coastal engineering companies.