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Breakthrough in Seagrass Transplantation in Monaco

A groundbreaking study has successfully transplanted 384 m² of Posidonia oceanica seagrass in an industrially scaled project, showcasing a paradigm shift in the approach to preserving these critical underwater ecosystems. This ambitious undertaking, spanning eight years, challenges the prevailing notion that such habitats are unfeasible for transplantation, thereby paving the way for enhanced conservation efforts amidst the pressures of coastal urbanization.

The groundwork for this initiative was laid during the development of the “Mareterra” district in Monaco, where extensive marine works resulted in the destruction of significant areas of Posidonia oceanica meadows, vital to the Mediterranean marine ecosystem. To mitigate this damage, Andromède Océanologie, in collaboration with the University of Liège, embarked on a significant transplantation project.

Commencing in 2017, the project involved relocating 384 m² of seagrass from the construction zone to the protected Larvotto marine reserve. Utilizing a method known as “clod” transplantation, researchers were able to maintain the integrity of the roots and their substrate, which significantly enhanced the survival rates of the transplanted meadows. The study not only validated this novel approach but also marked a critical advancement in strategies to conserve fragile underwater habitats.

According to Sylvie Gobert, an oceanologist at the University of Liège, the project included comprehensive monitoring over eight years to assess the transplanted meadows’ resilience. “Despite the ongoing marine constructions nearby, the transplanted meadows demonstrated impressive resilience, with their health markers quickly aligning with those observed in adjacent natural meadows,” Gobert explained. Just three years post-transplant, both the transplanted and indigenous seagrass beds began flowering. By 2024, the transplanted area had increased by 25.8%, surpassing the original size, reinforcing the feasibility of transplantation as a significant mitigative strategy in coastal development.

This innovative experiment is reshaping the landscape of seagrass conservation linked to coastal projects. Historically, the loss of seagrass habitats was deemed irreversible, with compensatory measures often restricted to artificial reef implementations. However, the findings of this study provide compelling evidence that transplantation should be incorporated as a standard practice within environmental conservation frameworks.

Gobert’s scientific acumen has been invaluable in evaluating the feasibility of the transplantations and undertaking comprehensive assessments of both physiological and structural metrics of the seagrass meadows. The University of Liège boasts a long-standing expertise in seagrass research that dates back to the 1970s, particularly informed by investigations conducted at the STARESO underwater research facility in Corsica. This station has dedicated over fifty years to studying the natural evolution of Posidonia oceanica meadows, yielding critical insights into their ecological significance, resilience, and growth dynamics. This wealth of knowledge proved instrumental in the transplantation initiative’s success in Monaco, facilitating a meticulous approach supported by scientific principles and objectives.

The triumph of this project questions the adequacy of conventional practices and introduces a progressive framework for managing marine resources. “By adopting transplantation as a mitigating tactic in coastal development initiatives, we can substantially diminish ecological impacts while safeguarding vital habitats that enhance Mediterranean biodiversity,” concluded Gobert.

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