Challenge:

Coastal ecosystems are subjected to various stressors due to increased anthropogenic activities such as climate change, tourism, aquaculture facilities, over-fishing, desalination plants, ports, and marinas. This is more evident on a limited coastline, as in the case of Cyprus. In addition, one of the most critical environmental challenges is the ‘globalization’ of marine biota resulting in biodiversity loss, alteration of community structure, and degradation of ecosystem services. In the case of the Mediterranean Sea, non-indigenous species (NIS) are invading via shipping vectors of hull fouling, ballast water transport, or even unintentional/intentional aquarium releases. Considering the EU’s Mission to Restore our Ocean and Water by 2030, the exploitation of marine resources should consider physical, ecological, and socio-economical parameters.

CMMI is committed to its Mission:

To protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems and biodiversity. Under this Mission, CMMI’s Deep Blue Lab is drawing inspiration from nature and offering Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to enable nature restoration and address societal challenges. All its NBS are in line with the European Commission’s requirement of such solutions benefiting biodiversity and supporting the delivery of a range of ecosystem services. Thus, the Lab’s activities do not only generate environmental gains but also economic advantages to stakeholders in the marine sector. The Deep Blue Lab’s main activity is developing and monitoring optimised 3D-printed artificial reefs to tackle the most critical environmental challenges that the coastal and marine ecosystems are facing. The artificial reefs provide new habitats for marine organisms, increase local biodiversity through the revival of threatened or endangered species, and can act as buffers against wave energy and erosion along coastlines. In addition, artificial reefs are considered popular destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts and may also serve as living laboratories for scientific research and monitoring by being supplied with state-of-the-art technological equipment and thus, for example, serve as underwater observatories.

Mission Unit Manager: Dr Manos Moraitis

Contact Information: MBAC@cmmi.blue