As part of a joint project between the Port Board of Dénia and the company Ocean Ecostructures, the Sports and Tourist Port Marina Dénia y Baleària They will install 18 micro reefs, designed to regenerate marine biodiversity and promote a cleaner and healthier environment. This initiative focuses on the protection of marine life around the Port of Dénia.
Specifically, Marina Dénia already has eight of these micro reefs, while Baleària will install ten more in its Maritime station. Gabriel Martínez, president of the Port Advisory Board and director of Marina Dénia, highlighted the commitment of the concessionaire companies to the preservation of the marine environment and the promotion of activities that reinforce awareness and citizen science.
The general director of Baleària, Georges Bassoul, stated that this project is part of the company's environmental commitment and represents a first step towards expanding these initiatives to other ports where they operate.
Ocean Ecostructures uses its innovative Bio Boosting System®, which allows developing biomimetic micro reefs called Life Boosting Units®. These reefs are designed to attract microfauna, form natural substrate and avoid interference with port operations. In addition, the micro reefs are monitored by underwater drones. that measure various parameters, such as biomass generated and CO2 captured. This technology, which has proven effective elsewhere, has encouraged the emergence of more than 200 marine species in their natural habitats. The data collected is available for consultation in an application.
Importance of marine biodiversity in the fight against climate change
Since oceans cover three-quarters of the planet's surface, contain 97% of the water and represent 99% of the living space on Earth, their biodiversity is crucial for global health. In line with the European Green Deal, the European Union's Biodiversity Strategy states that by 2030, 30% of the world's oceans will be protected from the elements. Community waters must be protected, of which one third will require strict conservation. The work of Ocean Ecostructures becomes essential to mitigate the adverse effects of infrastructure and human activities on marine ecosystems.
The Port Advisory Board of the Port of Dénia, made up of concessionaires such as Baleària, Marina Dénia, and others, acts as a liaison with the Dénia City Council and the Generalitat Valenciana to coordinate these efforts.
