Mariculture for Ria de Aveiro subtidal seagrass Rewilding

Introduction

LIFE SeagrassRIAwild aims at taking decisive steps to reverse the current conservation status of Zostera marina habitat in Ria de Aveiro and Portugal through the co-development of cost-efficient and policy relevant NbS (Nature-based Solutions).

Current Status of Seagrass

Subtidal seagrass beds are critically endangered at the European Atlantic Coast and are in urgent need of restoration, as stated in the forthcoming EU Nature Restoration Law. Z. marina is presently the most endangered seagrass species in Portugal, facing extinction if measures are not taken to assure the protection of the last remaining populations.

Recent Developments

In Ria, its presence was not recorded for 10 years, but recently resurged in small intertidal patches, making this the momentum for active restoration measures implementation.

Proposed Solutions

LIFE SeagrassRIAwild proposes a paradigm shift in seagrass restoration, enabling large-scale restoration programs with negligible effects on existing natural meadows. This will be achieved through the development of seagrass mariculture to support the plant and seed needs for rewilding.

Collaborative Approach

It follows a transdisciplinary approach involving:

1. Academia
2. Authorities
3. Management agencies
4. Local administration
5. End-user associations
6. Citizens

This collaboration will focus on the co-design, prioritization, and implementation of restoration actions at a large scale, using targeted and adaptable Citizen Science initiatives and synergies with other national and EU initiatives.

Innovative Nature-based Solutions

LIFE SeagrassRIAwild will further explore innovative NbS to potentiate synergistic effects of seagrass conservation efforts and system management needs. If proven effective, these solutions have the potential to become an innovative management service/product for:

• Port authorities
• Private marinas
• Management agencies

Sustainability and Legacy

These NbS will enhance the sustainability of the project, supported by tailor-made capacity building actions and the infrastructure legacy. This legacy will endure over time and be made available for national restoration programmes, with the supervision of the national competent authorities.