Four PHAROS demos

PHAROS will carry out four demonstrations in the Atlantic and Arctic basins, highlighting innovative Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for ecosystem restoration. By incorporating key Mission projects like Ocean Citizen, Climarest, and Ultfarms, the project ensures a comprehensive approach to restoring ecosystems

Demo 1: IMTA and Multiple Use of Space

Multi-layered demo in the PLOCAN research area in Gran Canaria

In Gran Canaria’s PLOCAN research area, a cutting-edge demo will integrate multiple Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) with aquaculture, targeting a site severely damaged by human activity. PLOCAN will deploy storm-proof infrastructure, including zonalization, buoys, mooring blocks, and a fish cage system for long-term Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) restoration. Real-time monitoring and on-site data collection will measure ecosystem recovery, particularly the impact of macroalgae growth on CO2 sequestration, feeding this data into the PHAROS Digital Twin Ocean (DTO) system.

Open-schooling projects, where families, experts, and stakeholders collaborate with teachers and students to tackle local challenges, align with the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0. These initiatives aim to unlock the blue economy’s potential in the Atlantic while preserving marine ecosystems and addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Demo 1 Concept Will Test the Benefits of IMTA Co-location, including:

  • Biodiversity and ecosystem benefits from IMTA macroalgal for fish aquaculture and the surrounding environment.
  • Impact of co-location of lucrative abalone and sea cucumber on biodiversity restoration.
  • Impact of new artificial reefs (SER) on both biodiversity restoration and pollution reduction.

Demo 2: Marine Forest and Artificial Reef for Biodiversity Restoration

A combined reef (active recolonisation) and polyculture macroalgae arrangement.

This demo will be located in the PLOCAN research area in Gran Canaria. It will demonstrate the benefits to biodiversity restoration from a combined reef (active recolonisation) and polyculture macroalgae arrangement.

PLOCAN RESEARCH AREA IN GRAN CANARIA

Some of the anticipated benefits from the innovative demo combo-arrangement that will be measured include:

  • Shelter and Habitat: The structure of seaweed ropes offers shelter, food, and breeding grounds for fish, crustaceans, and other life forms, thereby promoting biodiversity.
  • Nutrient Uptake: The macroalgae nutrient uptake contributes to improving water quality by reducing levels of these compounds and preventing issues like harmful algal blooms.
  • Coastline Stabilisation: Seaweed vertical rope systems and SER® reefs help stabilise the coastline by reducing erosion caused by waves and currents.
  • CO2 Capture: CO2 capture from the atmosphere mitigates ocean acidification and climate change. This carbon capture also results in the production of oxygen.

Demo 3: Salmon Farm and Macroalgae Combination

Bantry, Ireland: Integrating polyculture macroalgae with a large salmon farm

In Bantry, on Ireland’s west coast, this PHAROS demo will explore the benefits of integrating polyculture macroalgae with a large salmon farm. Partnering with BMRS and leveraging insights from the Ultfarms Mission project, this demo aims to assess the unique marine conditions distinct from those in Demo 1. The trial will involve two sites: one in Bantry, where high-biomass macroalgae species like Alaria esculenta, Saccharina latissima, and Laminaria digitata will be co-located with a salmon farm, and another in Roaringwater Bay, which will serve as a control. This setup will allow PHAROS to evaluate the biodiversity impact on the salmon farm compared to the control site.

The Bantry site is 6 hectares and has 17 lines that are 110 meters each. Substantial carbon sequestration is expected as a result.

In the farm environment, PHAROS will evaluate how macroalgal growth contributes to CO2 sequestration, enhancing biological productivity and storing carbon through photosynthesis. Coastal seaweed aquaculture, paired with ongoing algal biomass harvesting, may help mitigate ocean acidification locally. Demo 3 will also investigate the potential of increasing biodiversity by creating new habitats and nurseries for various species while improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients. This includes examining if kelp cultivation can reduce eutrophication risks by removing nitrogen and phosphorus from coastal waters and boosting phytoplankton diversity. Additionally, PHAROS will assess the advantages of co-cultivating different seaweed species in polyculture systems, reducing competition and distributing nutrient intake more evenly than monocultures. Lastly, Demo 3 will explore the macroalgae farm’s potential as a bioremediation tool, providing new habitats for feeding, reproduction, and shelter for marine species such as juvenile fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and invertebrates

Demo 4: Invasive Species Reduction in Iceland

Iceland: Detection, monitoring, and control of invasive pink salmon

Invasive species pose significant threats to biodiversity, the economy, and public health by facilitating the spread of infectious diseases. Almost 20% of Europe’s Red Listed species are under threat from invasive organisms and the Mission Atlantic and Artic Lighthouse strives to restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity from threats.

The H2020 project ECOTIP, led by DTU, has conducted extensive mapping of Arctic biodiversity and its responses to various external pressures, including climate change and expanding commercial activities. This research is crucial for developing effective protection and restoration strategies. Building on this work, PHAROS will undertake Demo 4 in Iceland, focusing on the detection, monitoring, and control of invasive pink salmon. This effort aims to revolutionise how invasive species are managed, employing advanced detection and intervention measures.

Demo areas in Iceland are selected based on registered findings and spawning of pink salmon in the identified rivers. There will be two main study locations:

  • South-west Iceland (Botnsá): A small river close to the RORUM research facility, where significant pink salmon occurrence has been documented.
  • North-west Iceland (Hrútafjardará and Midfjardará): Important Atlantic salmon rivers with high economic value. Both rivers run into a shared bay, providing a unique opportunity.

In this framework, PHAROS will complete the integration of improved coastal monitoring through satellite observations and augmented coastal numerical modelling tools.

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