Areas of the Ria de Aveiro in Portugal, and more precisely the Largo do Laranjo area, historically colonized by Zostera noltei seaweed, were subsequently contaminated with mercury and arsenic. A transdisciplinary team composed of researchers led the ReMoliço project, to test the effectiveness of re-introducing seagrass meadows for the rehabilitation of contaminated estuarine areas.
The researchers tested the transplant resistance of the vegetation and evaluated the effect of prairies with a view to creating a methodological toolbox for the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems. The results demonstrated the feasibility of seagrass transplantation in degraded ecosystems and confirmed their effectiveness for improving local conditions. Local authorities and the community were encouraged to take part in the recovery process through public information and awareness campaigns, along with training sessions provided for local fishermen.
- Start date
- 1 Jan 2019
- Project locations
- Portugal
- Overall budget
- €82 468
- EU contribution
- €61 85175% of the overall budget
Results
- Recolonisation with seagrass meadows demonstrated the potential to foster retention and stabilisation of colonised sediments, reducing their resuspension by currents and swell, and promoting greater biodiversity and biological production.
- Within one year, mosaic-transplanted plants were able to cover previously unvegetated areas and develop a uniform, robust coverage of seaweed.
- The restoration of the different ecosystem functions offered by seagrass meadows occurs gradually, with chemical processes recovering faster than biological community responses.
Contact
João Pedro Martins Coelho
- Name
- João Pedro Martins Coelho
- Organisation
- University of Aveiro
- jpcoelho
ua [dot] pt - Phone number
- +351 234 247 092