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Assessing Atlantic Kelp Forest Restoration Efforts in Southern Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandre F. S. Marques

    (MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET—Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal)

  • Álvaro Sanchéz-Gallego

    (MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET—Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal)

  • Rodrigo R. Correia

    (MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET—Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal)

  • Isabel Sousa-Pinto

    (CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
    Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal)

  • Silvia Chemello

    (CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal)

  • Inês Louro

    (SeaForester Lda, 2765-253 Estoril, Portugal)

  • Marco F. L. Lemos

    (MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET—Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal)

  • João N. Franco

    (MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET—Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal)

Abstract

Kelp forests are essential marine ecosystems increasingly compromised by human activities. Effective reforestation strategies are urgently needed, and the “green gravel” method is a viable tool already used in some European regions. This study aimed to assess the success of this method using the native Kelp species Laminaria ochroleuca on the Portuguese coastline. Cultures of green gravel were reared until the specimens reached a size of approximately 3 cm. The gravel was then deployed at selected sites in Peniche, Berlengas, and Cascais. Over an eight-month period, scientific scuba divers monitored the integration of Kelp, along with associated fish, invertebrate, and algae communities. Nutrient availability, temperature, water movement, substrate type, and Rugosity Index (RI) were also measured. The highest success rate was 12% in Consolação, with Elefante and Galos (Berlengas) reaching 7% and 4%, respectively. By the end of the monitoring period, Cascais had no remaining Kelp on green gravel. Present data suggest that higher success is dependent on less rugged and higher RI topography. Higher grazing pressure, rougher terrain, and unexpected sedimentation appear to be the main obstacles to deployment success. Solid knowledge (biologic and topographic) on the restoration site, starting restoration actions near already established Kelp forests, and significantly scaling up restoration efforts could substantially improve the success of the green gravel method in future reforestation campaigns.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandre F. S. Marques & Álvaro Sanchéz-Gallego & Rodrigo R. Correia & Isabel Sousa-Pinto & Silvia Chemello & Inês Louro & Marco F. L. Lemos & João N. Franco, 2024. "Assessing Atlantic Kelp Forest Restoration Efforts in Southern Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-15, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:21:p:9176-:d:1504377
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Aaron M. Eger & Ezequiel M. Marzinelli & Rodrigo Beas-Luna & Caitlin O. Blain & Laura K. Blamey & Jarrett E. K. Byrnes & Paul E. Carnell & Chang Geun Choi & Margot Hessing-Lewis & Kwang Young Kim & Na, 2023. "Author Correction: The value of ecosystem services in global marine kelp forests," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-1, December.
    2. Aaron M. Eger & Ezequiel M. Marzinelli & Rodrigo Beas-Luna & Caitlin O. Blain & Laura K. Blamey & Jarrett E. K. Byrnes & Paul E. Carnell & Chang Geun Choi & Margot Hessing-Lewis & Kwang Young Kim & Na, 2023. "The value of ecosystem services in global marine kelp forests," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.
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