Macroalgae Reefs, Cyprus Case Study
Case Study Components
Introduction to the site
Location: 35.06 N, 32.16 E
Observed ecosystem changes
Invasion of the Diadema setosum sea urchin species
CLIMAREST Objectives
Establish thresholds for future macroalgae restoration projects
Features of Akamas Peninsula
Located in a Natura 2000 marine protected area, offering legal and ecological support for restoration activities.
Hosts a plethora of marine habitats such as Posidonia oceanica, coralligenous reefs, and macroalgae dominated reefs.
Has become a popular tourist destination with many recreational activities such as scuba diving and boat tours.
Map indicating the location of the Akamas Peninsula, the location of the replication sites.
Driving Factors and Motivations
Despite its protection status, the site faces many threats, mainly from anthropogenic activities and climate-change related impacts. Due to rises in water temperature, non-indigenous species are "tropicalizing" the local biodiversity, removing local species. The largest invasion comes from the long-spined sea urchin Diadema setosum, known for its grazing capacity, leaving barren rocks of once algae dominated reefs. Akamas finds itself at a “tipping” point, where active efforts of protection and restoration are needed to prevent ecosystem shifts.
Assessment Phase
Site assessment
Prevalent apperance of the effects of Diadema setosum
Reefs covered with Cystoseira macroalgae have disappeared in some areas
Signs of increased grazing pressure in remote areas
Map of the Akamas Peninsula indicating the Natura 2000 site
Planning and Design Phase
Primary Objective: Establish thresholds and methodologies for future restoration projects
Determine grazing pressures of D. setosum on macroalgae
Allows establishment of thresholds that might lead to habitat shifts and necessary interventions
Find most suitable restoration methods
Essential to understand all available methodologies and their success rates before going large scale
See how restoration success can be affeced by non-native species
Need to understand the level of intervention needed to allow for successful restoration efforts
Discover the role of stakeholders and their involvement in restoration objectives
Large scale restoration requires participation and awareness of relevant stakeholders for socio-ecological success
Cyprus Permits
Department of Fisheries and Marine Research
- Permit needed for restoration actions to ensure alignment with national legislation, goals, and management of marine resources and habitats
No permits needed for removal of Diadema setosum due to non-native status
Relevant EU Permits
EU Nature Restoration Law
- Sets legally binding targets for restoration of degraded ecosystems
- Member States are required to restore at least 20% of EU land and sea areas by 2030
Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)
- Requires strict protection and conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC)
- Mandates achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) of marine waters
Developing Project Protocols
Steps of the protocol developed by the replication site
Implementation Phase
Implementation Process
Day 1 - Conduct biodiversity, algae, and urchin assessment
- Identify areas for restoration and suitable donor sites
Day 2 - Prepare restoration areas by drilling small crevices to place cages and transplants
Day 2 - Place transplants in indicated sites
Monitoring and Data Collection Process
Ecological variables measured
Visual census of fish
- 25 m x 5 m transects
Macroalgae species composition
- 25 m x 5 m transects using quadrant cover
Detailed counts of sea urchins
- 25 m x 20 m area with a zig-zag search extending 10 m to each side
Transplanted Cystoseira
- Survival
- Growth
- Grazing damage
Sea urchins to conduct Gonadic Somatic Index
- Weight
- Weight of gonads
- Ratio calculated to establish GSI changes over one year
Diagram on the different monitoring methods utilised at the replication site
Ongoing Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation Phase
Initial results from the replication site
Major issues and problems encountered
Removal of non-native species
Removing these species is very time and labor intensive, requiring a large number of volunteers and stakeholders to achieve success.
Sharing and Communication
Logo from the replication project
Social Media channels
- Instagram: Wide following across science and the public
Stakeholder engagement largely with diving shops
National Authorities
- Communicating as they follow developments in the project