The Ocean Ecostructures project, present in our port, aims to promote marine biodiversity and improve the ecological functionality of port environments through nature-based solutions.
The project uses Life-Boosting Units (LBUs), biotechnological structures designed to promote the colonization of marine species and stimulate the creation of submerged habitats. These units act as active ecological supports, where algae, invertebrates, and fish establish themselves, contributing to enriching local marine life. The results obtained are compared with a control wall, an area of the same port without LBUs, which serves as a reference to assess the real positive impact of the technology on biodiversity and marine productivity.
Sampling results (September 2025)
It is confirmed that the areas with Life-Boosting Units (LBUs) in the port of L’Estartit have experienced a very significant increase in all ecological parameters compared to the control wall, with an 83% increase in species richness, a 133% increase in biomass production, and a 132% increase in carbon (CO₂) sequestration.
These values demonstrate that the LBUs act as nuclei of ecological regeneration, creating optimal conditions for the colonization, reproduction, and diversification of marine species.
Species richness: an increase of up to 128%
During the sampling, 55 species were identified in the areas with LBUs, compared to 30 species on the control wall. The increase is particularly notable in:
- Central Pier: +128% (41 species vs. 18 species)
- Entrance: +95% (37 species vs. 19 species)
- Garbí Pier: +43% (20 species vs. 14 species)
Regarding fish specifically, the presence of juveniles and five commercially important species was recorded, suggesting that the LBUs function as breeding and refuge areas. This information is key to understanding how these systems contribute to restoring ecological balance and promoting sustainable fisheries.
Biomass: an average increase of 133%
The total biomass recorded in the LBUs reaches 111 kg, compared to 47.5 kg on the control wall. The differences by zone are very notable and result from the productivity of the LBUs, but especially from the different initial conditions of the control walls:
- Central Pier: +147% (31.8 kg vs. 12.9 kg control)
- Entrance: +76% (44.3 kg vs. 25.2 kg control)
- Garbí Pier: +271% (34.9 kg vs. 9.4 kg control)
These data, taken together, demonstrate higher ecological productivity, favoring the colonization of suspension-feeding and phototrophic organisms.
Carbon sequestration and environmental quality
The LBUs also show an average increase of 132% in CO₂ sequestration compared to the control wall. The presence of phototrophic species (algae) and suspension-feeding species (sponges, bryozoans, and ascidians) enhances CO₂ sequestration and contributes to better oxygenation of the environment. The recorded environmental values, pH 8.3, dissolved oxygen 7.14 mg/L, and 96% saturation, indicate a stable and healthy ecosystem.
Ecological interpretation of the results
The analysis of trophic groups shows a functionally balanced community, with:
- 53% suspension feeders: filterers that improve water quality.
- 18% phototrophs: primary producers that generate biomass.
- 16% carnivores: natural regulators of the food chain.
This combination strengthens ecological complexity and enhances the resilience of marine ecosystems. The LBUs, therefore, not only increase the quantity of life but also its quality and functional stability.
These results position Life-Boosting Units as a key tool for the ecological restoration of port environments. Their impact is positive on biodiversity, biomass, and carbon sequestration, demonstrating that Ocean Ecostructures offers an effective and scalable solution to reverse the loss of coastal habitats. Additionally, it promotes healthier and self-sustaining marine ecosystems in our port and, potentially, throughout the entire Mediterranean port network.