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Port Olímpic Artificial Reefs Teem With Marine Life After One Year

ICM-CSIC, UB and UPC now begin structured monitoring to track the biotope’s evolution.

Overview

  • More than 100 species have colonized the reef field within a year, and project leads estimate 150–200 may now be present.
  • The city placed 50 concrete mini-reefs in five clusters at 8–10 meters depth near the Dic de Recer and added 20 oyster‑shell cages to shelter juvenile fish.
  • A press dive recorded over 60 species in roughly an hour, with officials highlighting the unusually rapid colonization.
  • The initiative is led by Fundación Barcelona Zoo with ICM-CSIC, the University of Barcelona and UPC, while the port is managed by BSM.
  • The area is off-limits to fishing and non‑scientific dives, and claims of cleaner water and CO2 capture will be tested through the new monitoring program.