Underwater structures with an ecological function
The Real Club Náutico de Dénia has completed the first stage of placing modular pieces designed to generate marine habitat, as this newspaper previously reported when work began. The initiative comes from MarineLab and seeks to transform the port environment into a space with greater ecological value.
The installed structures act as a refuge for microorganisms, algae and bacteria, as well as providing shelter for crabs, prawns, octopuses and fish, according to details provided.
Marina Colvée, a marine biologist and founder of MarineLab, explained the project's purpose: "what we are looking for is to transform walls that are passive into walls that have an ecological function within marinas". Colvée, who has previous experience working with artificial reefs in Australia, added that "the idea was to bring that innovation to Dénia and be able to create something that benefits our coasts".
Monitoring and next phase
The condition of the pieces is monitored through regular dives carried out every six months, in order to check how the life that settles in them evolves. Dénia workshops with more than three decades of experience in the sector participated in the manufacture of the submerged anchors.
MarineLab is already working on a second phase of the project, which it will carry out with a company specialised in port works and installations. Colvée has pointed out that much of the Valencian coast is built up, so this type of intervention adds structural complexity to ports. According to the company itself, the scientific advances of the project are expected to be made public as results on the Alicante coast are consolidated.
