Biohuts installed at Monaco’s ports

Installation de Biohuts ©Direction de la Communication – Manuel Vitali

In 2014, the Department of Maritime Affairs (DAM), the Department of the Environment (DE), and Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco (SEPM) which operates the Principality’s ports, asked the company Ecocéan to install ‘biohuts’ aimed at creating artificial habitats and restoring rock and sandy seabeds to their rightful ecological role as nurseries for wildlife. The process helps to protect larvae from predators, giving them a higher chance of surviving and helping to grow adult populations.

The installations have proven very effective, as evidenced by the biannual scientific monitoring reports by the company BIOTOPE, which found the presence of 416 fish from 12 different species along with extremely rich and diverse animal life. The DAM, the DE, and SEPM have therefore decided to extend the partnership for a further four years.

In light of these positive results, the Yacht Club de Monaco was keen to contribute to this environmental action by becoming an official partner of the aforementioned organisations, to create a real eco-corridor at Port Hercule by allowing 24 new nurseries to be installed in its marina.

Altogether, some 79 nurseries will be installed this week at Monaco’s ports, covering the entirety of Port Hercule and the Port of Fontvieille, and helping to restore the ecosystem impacted by human activity.