University Chouaib Doukkali - El Jadida Cove

Restoration Project

University Chouaib Doukkali - El Jadida Cove

Restoration Objective:

The present study fills these knowledge gaps by describing the early embryonic stages of G. nodicaulis, an Atlantic endemic species, and testing ex situ culture of seedlings and their pilot outplanting for population recovery on the Atlantic coast of Morocco (NW Africa).

Site Selection Criteria:

On June 27, 2022, the clay tiles were transported in refrigerated conainers to the receiving site (33°14′41.66″N8°32′36.08″W), which is approximately 1.5 km away from the donor site. The receiving site, characterized by a rocky platform and rock pools, mirrors the environmental conditions of the donor site. However, the density of G. nodicaulis was comparatively low, possibly due to the presence of a dense population of Sargassum muticum, suggesting competitive dynamics.

Key Reasons For Decline:

Unspecified

Scientific Paper

Feasibility of ex-situ recruitment and outplanting of Gongolaria nodicaulis (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) for restoration of warm temperate marine forests in Atlantic Morocco

Khaya, K., Falace, A., Serrão, E. A., Neiva, J., Reani, A., Sabour, B., & Belattmania, Z. (2024).https://www.degruyterbrill.co...i/10.1515/bot-2023-0093/html

Organisation:

University Chouaib Doukkali

Site Observations:

Observation Date

27th Jun 2022 – 24th Dec 2022

Action Summary:

Kelp reproductive material was collected from a donor site and cultured ex situ on clay tiles for 26 days, then outplanted at a nearby site with comparable environmental conditions. Tiles were monitored for six months following outplanting.

Lessons Learned:

Increasing water motion during culture and outplanting during periods of reduced water motion, along with optimising recruit density and managing grazing, may improve attachment, survival, and post-transplant success.

Project Outcomes:

The results suggest that ex-situ cultivation and outplanting could be a viable approach for the restoration of marine forests of G. nodicaulis on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, in NW Africa. The outplanted thalli developed successfully and attained full fertility within 6 months, indicating possible occurrence of natural self-recruitment. Embryos had a high growth rate in culture.

Area of Restoration (Ha)

0.00002

Distance to nearest kelp forest (in metres)

1,500

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Juvenile Kelp Density

4.0000
/ m2
130.0000
/ m2
Transplant Info:
Life Stage:Juveniles
Source:Culture
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