Punta de la Mora view from sampling site. Photo credit: Underwater Gardens International.
Following the initial field campaigns conducted by the University of Barcelona (UB) in the Tarragona pilot site, the OCEAN CITIZEN team at Underwater Gardens (UGI) organized a new campaign focused on sediment characterization.
Conducted in early February, this campaign aimed to sample marine sediment at different depths to analyse key sediment quality factors. UGI collaborated with mARdEhIELO, a local diving centre committed to marine conservation and restoration.
With a strong track record of supporting environmental initiatives, mARdEhIELO played a crucial role in assisting this research effort.
For sediment sampling, a Van Veen grab provided by UB was used. The samples were collected off the coast of Punta de la Mora at depths of 30, 35, and 40 meters, precisely where restoration efforts will take place with the installation of Smart Enhanced Reefs (SER®). These locations were selected based on the results of previous field campaigns conducted by UB, ensuring optimal conditions for the restoration of the local Marine Animal Forest.
Although the weather was ideal—calm waters and bright sunshine—the sampling process proved challenging due to the depth and weight of the grab. Nonetheless, all samples were successfully extracted, properly labelled, and packaged. To top it off, a group of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was spotted swimming alongside the boat. Perhaps a good omen for the project?
The collected sediment will now undergo laboratory analysis to determine grain size, organic matter content, and the presence and proportion of various metals. This data is a crucial step in securing the necessary administrative permits to launch restoration activities.
This research campaign provides valuable insights into the marine environment targeted for restoration in the Tarragona pilot site. It also highlights the importance of collaboration with local stakeholders and the integration of their knowledge—key factors for the successful implementation of scientific projects.
Understanding the characteristics and needs of both marine and societal environment of the restoration area is essential to conduct a tailored and effective regeneration strategy.
