Seagrass restoration project (Cymodocea nodosa) in Corrales de Rota (Rota, Cadiz)
About this good practice
The so-called Corrales de Rota is a Natural Monument and a Special Conservation Zone included in Natura 2000 European network. In this coastal zone, there are some evidences on the existence of a former meadow of Cymodocea nodosa, a highly protected species under the European Law, that experienced an important regression due to several causes, including water pollution. These environmental pressures have decreased in the last years, so that it would be possible to increase the ecological status of the site and undertake a restoration action focused on the former seagrass meadow. This restoration is included in the Management Plan of the SCZ and is promoted by the City Hall of Rota. The project is led by the Blue Carbon Laboratory of the University of Cadiz and is open to public participation, including the collaboration of the “Corraleros” Association, which have a great knowledge of the site. The restoration consists on the transplanting of apical shoots (those with the highest growth potential) collected carefully from a nearby meadow, and will also include germinated seedlings from earthen ponds. To promote restoration success, transplanting units will be created since natural substrate in the area is mainly rocky, which reduce the chance to transplant individual isolated plants. Monthly monitoring of the transplantation is done. Several dissemination activities are included in which the importance of the species for carbon sequestration and biodiversity support.
Resources needed
5-10 €/m2 were needed for the first steps (travel expenses, mesh for substratum, anchoring devices for the transplanting and dissemination material). Staff costs are not included, nor are seed collections from natural populations, which in the future could be obtained from marine nurseries.
Evidence of success
The practice represents the fundamentals of a blue carbon project and is based on an innovative approach to foster the restoration of a highly protected seagrass species. The practice is supported by the City Hall of Rota and involves the collaboration of several stakeholders. It represents the first steps for a more ambitious restoration project in the site. The success of the practise can be monitored, particularly following the growth of the plants extending from the transplanting units.
Potential for learning or transfer
Lessons learned from the restoration project will be useful for similar approaches. Innovation techniques, including germination of seedlings can be applied in seagrass restoration projects in other European coastal localities.
Scientific knowledge from the practice can be transferred elsewhere and can be communicated through a technical report or a scientific reviewed journal. It is strongly recommended to collaborate with a university or research centre with experience in seagrass meadows for the selection of locations, plant handling, growth, etc.
Monitoring the success of the good practice can be carried out in collaboration with local volunteers or NGOs.
The greatest challenge refers to the successful growth and maintenance of the transplanting units in the long term, considering environmental factors such as: water temperature, hydrodynamic conditions, natural substrate, light environment, etc. which have to be adapted for each site where the project will be implemented.
