09th May l | 13:00 – 14:00 | Room 9.1.1 (DEMaC)
Vitor Oliveira (CESAM & DBio)

Exploring the potential of Zostera noltei for estuarine ecosystem restoration

Within the framework of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and the EU Nature Restoration Law, a Nature-based Solution (NbS) approach using Zostera noltei transplants was explored to restore a historically contaminated intertidal area. An inner bay of the Ria de Aveiro (Largo do Laranjo), characterized by unique environmental conditions and a pronounced contamination gradient, provided an ideal setting to assess the potential of this seagrass species as a natural agent for the restoration of degraded estuarine ecosystems. The study focused on (1) testing the species’ tolerance and resilience to contaminants, (2) implementing and monitoring in situ transplantations, and (3) evaluating the impacts on sediment quality and benthic communities. The results confirm the high potential of Zostera noltei as a NbS for the restoration of contaminated marine ecosystems, offering a sustainable and ecologically effective approach to mitigating environmental impacts.