We are thrilled to share the news of the successuful reintroduction of Cystoseira seedlings in Cilento marking the first large-scale intervention in the Mediterranean.
After a month of growth in the aquariums of the University of Trieste, the Cystoseira seedlings were recently outplanted on the seabed of the receiving site near Agropoli (SA), restoring the Cystoseira marine forests in the Cilento National Park.
Restoring these marine forests requires the reintroduction of a large number of thalli to the seabed.
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Thanks to our dedicated efforts, thousands of Cystoseira seedlings are flourishing in the Santa Maria di Castellabate Marine Protected Area.
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The process involved overcoming numerous challenges and delicate phases, starting with the collection of fertile apexes from the abundant and thriving Cystoseira population in the the “donor” site in Punta Licosa.
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Subsequently, 1200 replanting units were carefully seeded and cultured in the Macroalgal Biodiversity and Ecophysiology Laboratory of the University of Trieste.
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Finally, under the controlled conditions meticulously managed by researchers  from Shoreline and the University of Parthenope, the seedlings were outplanted in Cilento.
Diver from University of Trieste taking samples of Cystoseira fertile apices
Sorting and cleaning a Cystoseira fronds is a process that needs a meticulous approach
Researcher on the field checking the section of a conceptacle by a stereomicroscope
Part of the team that collected the fertile apices in May 2023
A fertile frond as seen just after being collected
To ensure the maximum efficiency and optimize the process, the outplanting was divided into two phases.
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In this first phase, the clay tiles (replanting units) with the seedlings a few millimeters high, were carefully affixed in groups of 50 to temporary modules.
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We are now waiting for the second phase, during which the tiles will be directly placed on the rocky seabed.
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This way, the survived Cystoseira can continue to thrive, in hopes that by next spring, they will reach maturity and be able to reproduce, repopulating the surrounding areas.
Unloading both the metal frames with the clay discs and the concrete tiles from the truck
One of the 15 concrete tiles used as a ballast for the outplanting unit
The loading operations of the outplanting units on the boat
The casting of an outplanting module from the boat
Divers from Parthenope University after the deployment the first two concrete tiles
The assembling of the outplanting unit
The first monitoring phase is expected to commence soon and will provide us crucial information on the growth and development of the reintroduced Cystoseira in Cilento.
We will keep you updated on the progress, so stay tuned!
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Parthenope and Trieste University plus Shoreline team just after finished to collect the fertile material
A close-up of some discs where the young Cystoseira grew on
Divers while checking for marine life associated with Cystoseira presence
The rolling of the boat easily caused the overflow of water that covered the clay discs
Newborn Cystoseira seedlings seen on their clay disc just before being screwed on a metal frame
