Habitat 1150* (Coastal lagoon) recovery by SEagras.. (LIFE-SeResto)
Habitat 1150* (Coastal lagoon) recovery by SEagrass RESTOration. A new strategic approach to meet HD & WFD objectives
(LIFE-SeResto)
Start date: Jan 1, 2014,
End date: Apr 30, 2018
PROJECT
FINISHED
Background
The project will be implemented in the Venetian Lagoon, which is the biggest transitional environment in Europe. Priority habitat no. 1150* (Coastal lagoons) covers an area of around 3 660 ha in the northern part of the lagoon and sea grass meadows play a crucial role in its preservation, supporting numerous biologic communities that characterise this type of environment and increasing the stability of the tidal flats. Over the past few decades, sea grass meadows have receded significantly in the lagoon as a consequence of human activities. Recent regulations will limit such disturbance by reducing the nutrient inflow from the watershed and regulating clam harvesting. However, limiting hydrodynamic circulation in coastal ponds and in the inner areas of the lagoons prevents meadows from being able to naturally recolonise shallow areas.
Objectives
The LIFEâSeResto project aims to:
Restore and consolidate water habitat no. 1150* by transplanting submerged sea grasses;
Contribute to the achievement of good ecological status for transitional water bodies and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed actions to contributing to the objectives set in the Framework Water Directive; and
Quantify and highlight the value of ecosystem services provided by the lagoon environment and particularly by the angiosperm meadows in habitats no. 1150*.
Expected results:
After two to three years, sea grass meadows should cover around 20% of the transplanted sites (around 700 m2). A large number of spots and small populations will be spread all around the targeted areas on a lagoon surface area about twice the initial 3 500 m2;
After four to five years, around 80% of the transplanted areas should be covered by structured sea grass meadows (around 2 800 m2). A large number of spots and small populations will be spread all around the targeted areas on a lagoon surface at least 10 times higher than the initial area; and
After more than 10 years, sea grass meadows should cover around 25-30% of the targeted water body surface (36.6 km2) covering a water surface of 9.2-10.2 km2, with the possibility of a sharp spontaneous increase in the following years.
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