Scientific monitoring confirms an increase in 79 % in species richness and the generation of more than 14 kilos of biomass in the marina
The Marina del Este Marina has released the results of the first scientific monitoring of the six biomimetic microreefs installed in its waters in April 2025. The monitoring, held last October, confirms a positive evolution of the marine environment and a notable improvement in biodiversity inside the port.
This performance, made in collaboration with Ocean Ecostructures, has analyzed the evolution of the biological communities that have settled on these structures, known as Life Boosting Units (LBUs). Six months after installation, have been identified 34 different species in microreefs, in front of the 19 recorded on the port wall used as a control area, which represents an increase in 79 % in the number of species.
More diverse ecosystems and in the process of consolidation
Beyond the number of species, monitoring reveals a greater variety of organisms with different functions within the marine ecosystem. The presence of phototrophs has been observed in the LBUs, as algae that generate biomass from sunlight; suspension feeders, that filter the water and contribute to its cleanliness; as well as omnivorous and carnivorous species, necessary to maintain the balance of the food chain.
The coexistence of these groups indicates that the marine communities that are forming around the microreefs are moving towards a more complete ecosystem., with more diverse biological relationships and greater environmental stability.
Monitoring has also detected the presence of larger marine fauna, with the identification of six species of fish using the LBUs as a refuge or feeding area, five of them with commercial interest. The observation of juvenile and adult specimens suggests that these structures are beginning to play a relevant role as habitat within the port..
Regarding biomass, total amount of living matter generated, microreefs have reached 14,2 kilos in just six months, an especially significant result taking into account the short time that has passed since its installation. This growth reflects rapid biological colonization and a greater capacity of the environment to support marine life., in addition to contributing to the fixation of carbon dioxide and improving water quality.
For Manuel Raigón, port managing director, Data confirms that integrating nature-based solutions into port management has real impact. “The microreefs installed in Marina del Este are generating life in a space where before it barely existed., demonstrating that ports can also be an active part in the recovery of the marine environment”, Raigón says.
The installation and monitoring of microreefs in Marina del Este is part of the company's sustainability strategy, that is committed to incorporating environmental criteria in the daily management of its ports. The project will continue to be monitored to evaluate its evolution in the medium and long term and its contribution to a port model more integrated into its natural environment..
Filograna sp- polychaete worm
