SER® Daroc-rif ® design being colonized by marine organisms. Photo credit: Underwater Gardens International SL.
A key technological innovation within OCEAN CITIZEN is the SER® (Smart Enhanced Reefs)— developed by the scientific and technical teams at Underwater Gardens International. SER® are designed to accelerate ecological restoration by providing structurally complex substrates ideal for the colonization of targeted marine species. These artificial structures, inspired by the functional architecture of natural marine habitats, are being implemented across various ecological zones in Europe, such as Tenerife and Tarragona in Spain, Køge Bay in Denmark, and Porsangerfjorden in Norway, tailored to the specific requirements of each environment.
A core strength of SER® is its design protocol reefhopper®, asoftware based on artificial intelligence and generative design. Unlike traditional artificial reefs, the SER® are designed based on ecosystem type, local physical, chemical, geological and biological parameters of the area where they have to be deployed, the native biodiversity, the species life cycles, and the functional goals of each intervention. Each SER® is designed to replicate natural hard substrate conditions and enhance the complexity of the ecosystem by providing spaces where marine species can develop. Conditions that are key to enhance the resilience and ecological functionality of the restored ecosystem.
SER ® materials are of paramount importance. Made with durable, non-toxic materials and high surface roughness, the SER® provide a complex substrate that facilitates both passive colonization by local species and active restoration through the transplantation of eco-engineer organisms, such as gorgonians, sponges, black corals and macroalgae). For the latter, validated marine silviculture techniques are used where fragments are pre-cultivated in specific aquaria and mesocosms until they reach an optimal state for integration into the natural environment and can be gardened.
SER® designs: Xinxeto-rif® and Daroc-2.0-rif®. Photo credit: Underwater Gardens International SL.
As part of the OCEAN CITIZEN project, marine restoration activities include the SER ® as component of the broader restoration strategy developed for different ecosystems:
- In Tarragona, SER® modules are deployed in areas affected by bottom trawling, both in shallow and mesophotic zones. Active restoration techniques using gorgonian and sponge transplantation are applied, generating valuable knowledge for future Mediterranean restoration efforts.
- In Tenerife, various SER® designs will be deployed at different depths (shallow, mesophotic and deep areas) to validate multi-layered restoration protocols. Actions include both passive colonization and transplantation of local marine species such as gorgonians, sponges, and black corals, native to the Macaronesian region.
- In Køge Bay, Denmark, although SER® are not used other type of artificial structures are being developed as part of a habitat restoration strategy adapted to the ecological characteristics of the Baltic Sea.
- In Porsangerfjorden (Norway), SER® modules are being applied, as part of an integral intervention to protect Arctic habitats and provide refuge for juvenile cod, aiming to support the sustainability of fishery resources.
Light bulb tunicate (Clavelina lepadiformis) colonizing a SER®- Photo credit: Underwater Gardens International SL.
All these interventions not only aim to regenerate the functionality, connectivity and biodiversity of a wide range of ecosystems but also generate a protocol that integrates different areas of scientific knowledge to restore marine ecosystems. This protocol also entails an environmental monitoring program which provides long term scientific data though a variety of techniques such as visual observation (human and with image recording), acoustic monitoring, eDNA, tagging, and telemetry, allowing the ongoing evaluation of outcomes and learning for future actions.
The SER® modules thus represent a tool for marine regeneration designed to actively enhance marine ecosystem restoration grounded in science, tailored to local conditions, and with a vision for global impact.
