Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis - Cap Ferrat

Restoration Project

Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis - Cap Ferrat

Restoration Objective:

Since natural restoration of C. amentacea var. stricta has never occurred despite water treatment, this study aimed to develop a cheap and easy transplantation technique for restoration of impacted areas.

Site Selection Criteria:

Three stations, 20m apart, were randomly selected along the shore in belts of C. compressa and C. amentacea var. stricta.

Cause Of Decline:

C. amentacea var. stricta and C. compressa form complex communities providing habitats for numerous epiphytic species and shelter for many shade-loving organisms. For decades, the Region Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur’s coastline (France) has been exposed to water pollution and many studies have reported severe degradations or even disappearance of Cystoseira popula. Despite the setting up of a wastewater treatment plant in the vicinity of the Marseille sewage outfall 8 years ago, C. amentacea var. stricta has still not recolonised its former habitat.

Key Reasons For Decline:

Water Pollution

Scientific Paper

Development of a transplantation technique of Cystoseira amentacea var. stricta and Cystoseira compressa

M.L. Susini, L. Mangialajo, T. Thibaut, A. Meinesz
Hydrobiologia, Vol. 580.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-006-0449-9

Site Observations:

Observation Date

9th Jan 2004 – 1st Jul 2004

Action Summary:

The thalli of C. amentacea and C. compressa were fixed with epoxy glue in holes made by a drill in the bare rock. The success of the technique was assessed by counting the number of remaining transplanted thalli after 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

Lessons Learned:

This method of restoration (fixing thalli in drill holes made in rocky substrate using epoxy glue) can be used successfully to re-establish Cytoseira populations in areas where water quality has improved.

Project Outcomes:

In June 2004, all the transplanted thalli of both species were fertile, as were the neighbouring controls. This observation clearly shows that transplantation did not affect Cystoseira development. This study recorded 75% survival of transplanted thalli after 6 months for both species. There were no significant differences in survival between species.

Nature of Disturbance:

After 6 months, 25% of transplanted thalli had been lost, but this may have been due to strong waves observed during August 2004 or due to a high fish-grazing pressure by Scarpa salpa L. Grazed apices were observed on the transplanted thalli and on natural populations which are known to be eaten by S. salpa.

Key Reasons For Decline:

Water Pollution

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Percent Survival

0.0000
%
100.0000
%

Observation Date

9th Jan 2004 – 1st Jul 2004

Action Summary:

The thalli of C. amentacea and C. compressa were fixed with epoxy glue in holes made by a drill in the bare rock. The success of the technique was assessed by counting the number of remaining transplanted thalli after 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

Lessons Learned:

This method of restoration (fixing thalli in drill holes made in rocky substrate using epoxy glue) can be used successfully to re-establish Cytoseira populations in areas where water quality has improved.

Project Outcomes:

In June 2004, all the transplanted thalli of both species were fertile, as were the neighbouring controls. This observation clearly shows that transplantation did not affect Cystoseira development. This study recorded 75% survival of transplanted thalli after 6 months for both species. There were no significant differences in survival between species.

Nature of Disturbance:

After 6 months, 25% of transplanted thalli had been lost, but this may have been due to strong waves observed during August 2004 or due to a high fish-grazing pressure by Scarpa salpa L. Grazed apices were observed on the transplanted thalli and on natural populations which are known to be eaten by S. salpa.

Key Reasons For Decline:

Water Pollution

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Percent Survival

0.0000
%
100.0000
%