A workshop site for the ecological restoration of the coastal environ-ment (SAR-LAB project): An innovative research programme
(
Non-governmental organization (NGO)
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#OceanAction40691
Description
Ecological restoration is a tool that may be used when a coastal ecosystem has been subjected to pollution or degradation. But it is only when the pressure has disappeared or been overcome - and once good water quality has been achieved - that this may be envisaged.
This action is action a 'booster' for biodiversity. It makes possible the improvement of the ecological functioning of habitats and the return of associated species, a positive impact on fisheries resources, the protection of the coastline, the stocking of carbon, and so on.
The Institute has taken part in two studies from a general programme of restoration of the Mediterranean marine environment, led by the water resources management agency Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse (AERMC) :
- understanding and managing the renewal of fisheries resources in a fish nursery zone in semi-enclosed environment: the Brusc lagoon (Var, S.E. France) ;
- trials to enhance the marine ecological richness by the installation of experimental artificial reefs in an area exposed to the impact of treated urban sewage outfalls.
This new project comes under the strategy framework directive for the marine environment 2008/56/CE (DCSMM) (directive-cadre stratégie pour le milieu marin), which represents the environmental cornerstone of the integrated maritime policy of the European Union.
The purpose is to achieve or to maintain a good ecological state in the marine environment (waters, seabed and sub-soil), by 2020 at the latest.
To this end, the DCSMM envisages the development of workshop sites, here the Brusc lagoon in the Mediterranean Sea, where a certain number of ecological resto-ration actions will be put into application. The introduction of a range of innovative procedures will provide feedback on the potential for having a favourable impact on the environment.
This general process will include actions targeting different issues related to ecological restoration, such as :
- artificial developments in harbour zones to improve their ecological nursery function by increasing the capacity to provide habitats for fish and to make good the lack of natural habitats;
- ecological restoration actions for the restoration of seagrass meadows using techniques involving the transplantation of marine magnoliophytes;
- the restoration of degraded sites, in particular in Mediterranean wetlands;
- monitoring, research and knowledge acquisition actions based on innovative techniques (R&D).
Water resources management agency: Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse (AERMC) (government)
Ecocean (private sector)
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
Name | Description |
---|---|
14.2 | By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
14.a | Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries |
Deliverables & Timeline
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Geographical coverage
Ocean Basins
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Contact Information
Jean-Luc Bonnefont, Research director