The initiative aims to restore declining or extinct populations of threatened species of the genus Cystoseira sp

This project of the University of Girona seeks to restore declining or extinct populations of the threatened species of the genus Cystoseira. The initiative aims to deepen the knowledge of the population dynamics of several species and populations of Cystoseira, in order to develop restoration techniques to promote their recovery in areas where the quality of the waters makes it possible.

As a final objective, the aim is to contribute to the recovery of the heritage habitat of this algae in different areas of the Mediterranean. It is also expected to apply new in situ and ex situ restoration techniques to restore threatened or extinct populations of Cystoseira crinita.

The project’s activities include:

• Location and characterization of Cystoseira crinita populations in Catalonia
• Monitoring of seasonal population dynamics of Cystoseira crinita
• Experiments to test the optimal environmental conditions (irradiance and temperature) in the early stages of development of the species in the laboratory
• Cultivation for seedling growth in the laboratory and subsequent transplantation in the sea
• Translocation of fertile cheekbones of Cystoseira crinita in a cove in Cap de Creus
• Quarterly monitoring of restored populations
• Project Website Creation
• Preparation of information material to publicize the results of the project in general and to disseminate the importance of these communities
• Attendance at national and international congresses, talks and conferences to present the results of the project