Since 2014, the Department of Maritime Affairs (DAM), the Department of the Environment (DE) and the Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco (SEPM) have used the company Ecocéan to install “Biohuts” in the ports of the Principality in order to create artificial habitats that reintroduce the ecological nursery environment provided by rocky and sandy bottoms.

The process allows larvae to be protected from predators and therefore have a better chance of surviving and contributing to adult populations.

These facilities have proven their effectiveness, as evidenced by biannual monitoring reports by BIOTOPE that noted the presence of 416 fish of 12 species and an extremely developed and varied fauna. DAM, the DE and the SEPM decided to continue this partnership for another four years, and now have a new partner.

In view of these convincing results, Monaco Yacht Club wished to take part in this ecological initiative and become a partner in order to create a real environmental corridor in Port Hercule with the installation of 24 new nurseries in its marina. In total, 79 nurseries will be set up this week in the Ports of Monaco which will cover the whole of Port Hercule and the Port of Fontvieille in order to restore the ecosystem impacted by human activity.

ORIGINAL SOURCE & PHOTOS: Monaco Government Press Service