IPM Group is bolstering its commitment to the conservation of the marine environment through various environmental initiatives aimed at improving and protecting marine ecosystems. On this occasion, the Group recently carried out a groundbreaking action in Palma de Mallorca, both at Marina Port Mallorca and at STP Shipyard Palma.
The project consisted of the installation of submerged tiles at a depth of approximately three metres, fixed to bollards or other static points in the port by ropes.
This simple system acts as an artificial substrate, favouring the fixation of marine organisms and allowing the subsequent analysis of biological colonisation in port settings.
In this study, the main objective is to evaluate the presence and degree of invasion of Branchiomma, a marine worm of tropical origin that has been logged as an invasive species in the Mediterranean.
Due to its numerous reproductive strategies, Branchiomma has a major capacity for dispersion and colonisation in new areas, establishing itself in port settings and other coastal habitats.
Sergi Guasch, a student on the Master's Degree in Marine Ecology at the University of the Balearic Islands, explained that "the project sets out to evaluate the degree of invasion of this genre at different ports in the Balearic Islands through a simple methodology with minimal impact. To do this, small, submerged tiles are fixed to bollards or other structural points of the port for approximately three months. These structures act as a new substrate, enabling the fixation of Branchiomma and facilitating the analysis of its presence and abundance. It's a totally passive method, which doesn't alter the environment or interfere with port activities. The study seeks to provide key information in order to boost knowledge and management of invasive species in port settings".
As well as Sergi Guasch, the action is benefitting from the collaboration of Ana González, Environmental Technician at the Balearic Island Port Authority, who has been helping with the supervision and development of the initiative.
From a technical point of view, this type of study collects important data on the adaptive capacity of invasive species in new settings, their impact on indigenous biodiversity, and their possible mitigation strategies.
What's more, it provides key information for the implementation of environmental management plans in port areas, helping the authorities and companies make decisions based on scientific evidence.
