1. General information
2. Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
1. Consolidating and restoring aquatic habitat 1150* via the transplantation of submerged aquatic angiosperms;
2. Contributing to the achievement of good ecological status in transitional water bodies, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed measures in terms of meeting the objectives set by the Water Framework Directive (Dir. 2000/60/EC Article 4);
3. Quantifying and making good use of the ecosystem services provided by the lagoon environment (1).
2. Contributing to the achievement of good ecological status in transitional water bodies, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed measures in terms of meeting the objectives set by the Water Framework Directive (Dir. 2000/60/EC Article 4);
3. Quantifying and making good use of the ecosystem services provided by the lagoon environment (1).
Quantitative targets
Expected results of seagrass recolonization
- Following transplantation: 3,500 m2 of very sparse plant cover (only transplanted sods and rhizome grafts);
– 2 years after transplantation: 3,500 m2 with ca. 20% plant cover and new growing points in an area of ca. 14 ha;
– 4 years after transplantation: 3,500 m2 with ca. 80% plant cover and new growing points in an area of 140 ha;
– 10 years after transplantation: 25-30% of the intervention area colonized by aquatic angiosperms at varying levels of development.
– On small-mid term, this widespread seagrass meadows will form an ecological network with positive effects on the entire SIC. The biodiversity of Habitat 1150* will increase due to the re-colonization of autochthonous species with high ecological value (1).
- Following transplantation: 3,500 m2 of very sparse plant cover (only transplanted sods and rhizome grafts);
– 2 years after transplantation: 3,500 m2 with ca. 20% plant cover and new growing points in an area of ca. 14 ha;
– 4 years after transplantation: 3,500 m2 with ca. 80% plant cover and new growing points in an area of 140 ha;
– 10 years after transplantation: 25-30% of the intervention area colonized by aquatic angiosperms at varying levels of development.
– On small-mid term, this widespread seagrass meadows will form an ecological network with positive effects on the entire SIC. The biodiversity of Habitat 1150* will increase due to the re-colonization of autochthonous species with high ecological value (1).
Monitoring indicators defined
The monitoring indicators defined is the capacity of the plants to disperse their seeds and gradually cover the entire area under study over a period of 10 years. Applicants expect that after the intervention circa 25-30% of the area will be fully restored after 10 years and the situation will gradually improve (5 and 7).
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?
Implementation activities
The proposed intervention technique involves transplanting a small number of plants, with advantages in terms of lower costs and impact on the donor sites. The technique is also suited to large-scale application. In support of the natural expansion of seagrass meadows in the surrounding areas, direct intervention is also planned for the entire duration of the project. The aim is to help the seeds take root and to facilitate the growth of new rhizomes produced by the transplanted specimens. Local fishermen (associated with the partners “Laguna Venexiana”) will carry out transplantations after specific training. 35 specific area of the Venice lagoon has been selected as optimal places for the introduction of the seagrass. Circa 400 transplants of plants will be done every year to cover the whole seagrass bed. The plants are ideal because they produce seeds that can be transported by currents and have a restorative impact on a large scale. The transplanting method does not require sophisticated equipment or too much effort (1 and 3).
3. NBS domains, ES and scale
4. Governance and financing
5. Innovation
Type of innovation
Please specify technological innovation
Restoration of the Venice Lagoon seabed with the reintroduction and monitoring of expansion of seagrass (1).
Novelty level of the innovation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
Unknown
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
So far the project is ongoing, but seeing the successful results of the first years of the intervention, it is very likely this approach will be used in other coastal areas that might benefit from it.
