Come and see what happens in Bergeggi!

Instead of simply reading about it, it’s time to take a closer look at what we do! We have just published the first video about our activities in Liguria. Through interviews, snaps in the laboratory, overhead and field footage, you will follow step by step how the REEForest project works. 

Our researchers show the various stages of algae collection, growth and transplantation in the shallow waters of the Marine Protected Area of Bergeggi Island. In a few minutes you will see what happens in the case of Cystoseira Amentacea, a species that lives in the intertidal zone, where the waves break.

The Marine Protected Area of Bergeggi Island together with researchers from the ‘Laboratorio di Ecologia del Benthos’ of the DISTAV (Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences) of the University of Genoa are continuing the restoration of the marine forests of brown algae found along the reefs of the island and the Bergeggi coastline. After mapping and studying the Cystoseira species found there, our team checks their state of health and restoration needs.

In this case, the site in need of restoration is a stretch of coastline near Punta Predani. The researchers identified a nearby donor site with a healthy algal population, namely the Punta del Maiolo area, from which fertile apices could be collected.

The second phase takes place in the laboratory, ‘sowing’ and cultivating the young algae on special clay discs for about three weeks. When the algae have adhered well to the substrates and reached a suitable size, they are transferred to the sea. The discs are attached directly to the reefs using stainless steel screws, without resin or other potentially polluting substances.

The last phase, no less important and delicate than the previous ones, is that of monitoring, which will make it possible to measure the success of the restoration work, both in terms of coverage and health of algal forests along the stretch of coastline of interest and through the restoration of the associated ecosystem services.

Enjoy the video and stay tuned for the next updates!

Video shot and edited by Fabio Benelli.