Increasing urbanization is impacting biodiversity in both land and ocean habitats, with marine urban structures disrupting natural marine habitats and biodiversity. To address this issue, the Living Seawalls project was founded by scientists and industrial designers to improve marine structures for the benefit of marine biodiversity. By designing panels that resemble natural shoreline habitats, the project aims to provide a habitat for the colonization and growth of marine life. Through ecological monitoring, the project has already seen positive results in terms of increased biodiversity on modified seawalls. Additionally, the project has potential economic and social benefits, such as cleaner water and increased recreational fishing opportunities. The biggest threat to marine life in urban environments, according to the project co-founder, is anthropogenic climate change and sea level rise. For early career researchers interested in studying marine biodiversity in urban settings, it is recommended to collaborate with experts from various fields and engage in real-world conservation projects. Despite challenges, memorable moments of fieldwork, such as encountering a penguin in contaminated waters, highlight the importance and rewards of projects like the Living Seawalls.
Unlocking the Potential of Urban Marine Biodiversity with the Living Seawalls Project
Urbanization is on the rise, not only impacting biodiversity on land but also in our oceans. Marine structures like seawalls, pilings, pontoons, and marinas disrupt, replace, and modify natural habitats, affecting marine biodiversity. The flat and featureless surfaces of these constructions offer very few refuges for marine organisms. In response to this challenge, scientists and industrial designers have come together to create the Living Seawalls Project.
What is Eco-Engineering and How Did it Inspire the Living Seawalls Project?
Eco-engineering is the integration of ecology and engineering to either use engineering with ecological communities for a human function or to design built structures that benefit both people and nature. Urban areas like Sydney Harbor are filled with man-made structures, but these structures lack the habitat complexity found in natural rocky shores. The Living Seawalls Project builds on two decades of research to enhance marine biodiversity on artificial surfaces.
Effect on Local Biodiversity
The Living Seawalls Project has already shown significant impacts on local biodiversity. In the first installation in Sydney Harbor, over 115 species of invertebrates and seaweeds were found colonizing the habitat panels within two years. Additionally, 36 species of fish were observed using the panels for shelter and feeding. Comparisons with unmodified seawalls and natural rocky shores revealed a 36% increase in biodiversity on the living seawalls.
Economic and Social Benefits
While the primary goal of the project was to enhance biodiversity, the panels have shown potential economic and social benefits. Filter-feeding organisms like oysters and mussels on the panels can help clean the water, making harbors more livable and swimmable. Recreational fisheries have also seen increased activity around the panels. Furthermore, carbon-sequestering species like kelps on the panels contribute to carbon-neutral construction practices.
Addressing the Biggest Threats
Anthropogenic climate change poses a significant threat to marine life in urban environments. Built structures can create hotter temperatures and exacerbate the impacts of sea level rise. Providing shading and moisture retention can help mitigate these threats to intertidal and coastal ecosystems.
Advice for Career Researchers
For early career researchers interested in studying marine biodiversity, it is essential to think broadly about the skill set needed. Collaborating across disciplines and embedding oneself in larger projects can provide valuable experience and insights. Real-world conservation and restoration projects can help bridge the gap between science and implementation.
Memorable Moments in Fieldwork
Fieldwork on built structures can present unique challenges, but also unexpected delights. One memorable moment from the Living Seawalls Project involved encountering a little penguin while working in heavily contaminated waters, a reminder of the beauty and resilience of marine life.
The Living Seawalls Project stands as a beacon of hope in the face of biodiversity loss in urban marine environments. By enhancing habitat complexity and promoting ecosystem resilience, projects like these pave the way for a more sustainable future for our oceans.
