THE NATURPORTS PROJECT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES THE TRANSFORMATION OF PORTS INTO OASES OF MARINE BIODIVERSITY

• The initiative, coordinated by the Vigo Port Authority, has achieved the colonization of 170 species in biomimetic structures and the recovery of 0.2 hectares of protected seagrass beds.
• Carlos Botana highlights that the success of NaturPorts positions Vigo as an international benchmark in the blue economy and port sustainability.

The NaturPorts project, a pioneering initiative co-financed by the European Union through the FEMPA, celebrated its final day this morning, consolidating its position as a benchmark in the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in port environments. Coordinated by the Vigo Port Authority, in collaboration with the University of Vigo, the University of Oviedo, and the CSIC, the project has demonstrated that coastal infrastructure can be drivers of biodiversity.

During the final day of the presentation of results, Carlos Botana, president of the Vigo Port Authority, emphasized that “NaturPorts is not just a restoration project; it is proof that the future of our ports lies in real and productive coexistence with the marine ecosystem.” In this context, he assured that, thanks to this project, “we have demonstrated that it is possible to transform degraded areas into enclaves of high ecological value that also directly benefit the fishing sector.”

Scientific milestones: From gray structures to living ecosystems

One of NaturPorts' greatest achievements has been in the Port of Vigo, where the installation of structures that mimic natural forms has allowed the colonization of approximately 170 species. These units now serve as a refuge for algae, octopuses, crabs, and small fish.

According to Daniel Escobar, APV's environmental technician, no invasive species were detected during the ecological characterization of the port's waters, so Botana himself does not rule out extending this type of study to other locations to further improve the quality of the port's waters.

Likewise, the restoration of seagrass beds in Bouzas has led to the recovery of 0.2 hectares of eelgrass, which is essential for blue carbon sequestration, improving water quality, and creating breeding grounds for commercially important species. Similarly, according to IIM-CSIC researchers Isabel Medina and Antón Salgado, a seagrass survival rate of between 72% and 98% has been achieved, which is of great importance as it is a source of CO2 and nitrogen capture and the best way to combat ocean acidification.

For his part, Jorge Hernández, a researcher at IIM-CSIC, presented the HIPPO-REF project, which consists of installing artificial shelters in various areas of the port to encourage the settlement of seahorses. He explained that the first two structures were installed yesterday in front of the Nautilus, which will now be colonized by algae and invertebrates before being occupied by these species of great ecological value, of which up to 15 seahorses have been sighted in the port area in recent years.

The project has also had a major impact in Asturias, specifically in the Port of Cudillero, with sustainable barnacle farming pilots led by the University of Oviedo.

A commitment to citizens

During his speech, Botana also wanted to highlight the informative dimension of these initiatives through environmental education, especially in the case of children, and in this context, he highlighted the participation of 101,207 people who have visited the “Nautilus” underwater observatory since its opening and who will soon be able to do so through the new viewer installed in Bouzas under the “Peiraos do Solpor” program. In the president's opinion, these are “the best tools for society to feel that the port is part of its natural heritage.”

NaturPorts is part of the “EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters,” which allows us to export our model to other European ports," he concluded.

Rock reef pilot

For their part, the research staff of the CIM, a partner in the project, presented in detail the pilot project for biomimetic rocky reefs, one of the main actions of NaturPorts aimed at restoring biodiversity in port infrastructures. In this case, they were installed in three locations, adapting each reef to the environment and ensuring that it fulfilled its ecological function from the outset.

The results obtained highlight that, in just ten months, the structures already showed high colonization, with organisms from up to 349 different taxa (=groups of related organisms), including algae and various invertebrates such as sponges and ascidians, which subsequently attracted larger species of commercial value, such as squid, octopus, spider crab, and velvet crab.

According to project technician Rosalía Rodríguez, “after collecting all the data and carrying out the analyses, the results were a success, so we can say that rocky reefs are a good nature-based solution for restoring systems degraded by humans.”

Finally, Rosalía Rodríguez highlighted “the project's contribution to the balance between port activity and marine conservation. The CIM's participation in NaturPorts reinforces scientific knowledge and ecological restoration in port environments, strengthening collaboration between marine research, ecological innovation, and sustainability in European ports.”