More than 100 marine species have been restored along Barcelona's coastline through installation of roughly 50 artificial reefs, especially in the waters of Port Olímpic. The reefs now serve as refuges and breeding grounds for molluscs, crustaceans, sponges and fish families including wrasses, blennies and sea breams. The project used techniques such as submerging mollusk shells to encourage native flora, egg-laying by fish and aggregation of invertebrates. Fishing and diving will be prohibited in restoration zones to protect recovering populations. Ongoing monitoring will record recovery and underwater activity. The project is led by the Barcelona Zoo Foundation in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Sciences of the Spanish National Research Council and the University of Barcelona.
The roughly 50 artificial reefs, particularly in the waters of Port Olímpic, have become a refuge and breeding ground for a variety of these species just one year after their installation. Among the species being rescued are molluscs, crustaceans and sponges, together with fish from families including wrasses, blennies and sea breams. This is a major step forward for the conservation of these marine species, the health of the population of fish, as well as the promotion for marine biodiversity. Moreover, Port Olímpic has established itself as a leading harbour in Spain for these types of restorative projects.
To be specific, part of the restoration project included submerging mollusk shells into the water, which inspires the native flora and fauna to gather and flourish. In particular, fish were more encouraged to lay eggs, and invertebrates also gathered. Additionally, activities such as fishing and diving will be prohibited in these areas in order to continue the upward trend of the marine life boom.
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