Our Mission
The LIFE SeagrassRIAwild project responds to the imminent threat facing subtidal seagrass beds along the European Atlantic Coast, particularly in the Ria de Aveiro area, Portugal. The EU Red List of Habitats underscores the critical endangerment of Zostera marina, the most endangered seagrass species in Portugal. With at least 30% of seagrass meadows lost in the last century due to local pressures like development and overfishing, urgent restoration measures are required. LIFE SeagrassRIAwild, aligned with EU policies, seeks to reverse the conservation status of Zostera marina through cost-efficient Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
This project pioneers a novel approach to seagrass restoration, using seagrass mariculture to meet plant and seed requirements for large-scale restoration while minimising impacts on existing natural meadows. A transdisciplinary strategy involving academia, authorities, local administration, and citizens guides the co-design, prioritisation, and implementation of restoration actions. The project aligns with the EU Habitats Directive, Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and Common Fisheries Policy, contributing to the recovery of priority habitats and the improvement of conditions for marine species.
Zostera marina sp.
Zostera marina is a species of seagrass, commonly known as eelgrass. It is a marine flowering plant that inhabits shallow coastal areas, estuaries, and lagoons in temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Eelgrass plays a crucial role in coastal ecosystems by providing habitat for various marine organisms, supporting biodiversity, stabilizing sediments, and contributing to nutrient cycling.
