Nature-based reef solution for coastal protection and marine biodiversity enhancement

Introduction

LIFE NatuReef (Nature-based reef solution for coastal protection and marine biodiversity enhancement) aims to apply at demonstration level the best practices available to the restoration of native oyster and sabellariid reefs. This project focuses on seeding the native species in a rare non-urbanized coastal stretch of the northern Adriatic coasts: the Bevano river mouth (Ravenna municipality, Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy). This area is designated as a Site of Community Importance (SCI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Natura 2000 (IT4070009 - Ortazzo, Ortazzino, Foce del Torrente Bevano).

Importance of Native Species

Ostrea edulis and Sabellaria alveolata and S. spinulosa are native ecosystem engineers capable of creating three-dimensional reefs. These reefs play a crucial role in:

• Retaining sediments
• Dissipating wave energy
• Counteracting coastal erosion, which is particularly intense in this region
• Creating ecological niches that allow for high biodiversity and nursery habitats

Current Status of Reefs

Native oysters have almost disappeared, and sabellariid reefs are rare in the Mediterranean Sea. These reefs represent marginal habitats that have lost most of their ecosystem functions at the regional level.

Benefits of Restored Reefs

The restored reefs will enhance marine biodiversity by providing habitat and feeding grounds for both priority and non-priority threatened species, including:

1. Sea turtles
2. Seahorses
3. Seabirds

Additionally, they will defend priority and non-priority habitats such as:

• Beach dunes
• Coastal lagoons
• Pinewoods

These habitats are at risk from coastal erosion and salt intrusion. The reefs will also host endangered vegetation and provide nursery areas for priority bird species.

Ecosystem Goods and Services

These reefs will provide a variety of ecosystem goods and services, including:

• Biodiversity enhancement
• Improved water quality and clarity
• Increased fish and shellfish production
• Sediment stabilization and wave energy dissipation
• Prevention of coastal erosion
• High cultural value

Climate Change Adaptation

Being living structures, these reefs have the potential to adapt and, to some extent, counteract the effects of climate change. They can help mitigate issues such as:

• Sea level rise
• Increased frequency and intensity of storm and flooding events

This contributes to the resistance and resilience of the coastal marine ecosystem.