Assessing the Potential of Nature-Inclusive Design: FINO2 Update
After seven months of operation, the nature-inclusive design (NID) installation at FINO2, an offshore research platform in the Baltic Sea, has been retrieved for assessment. Positioned ten meters deep on the monopile, this innovative installation was designed to create a habitat for marine life, particularly juvenile fish, whose populations are under increasing pressure in the region.
The retrieval included underwater cameras and biological samples, offering a wealth of data. Over 3,584 images were captured, providing clear evidence of heightened activity from various juvenile fish species and even mesopredators. These findings highlight the potential of the biodegradable starch substrate used in the installation.
The starch sheets, free from plastics and environmentally friendly, served as a hard substrate for sessile organisms to attach. This, in turn, enhanced the habitat’s complexity and its nursery function, offering shelter to a wide range of marine creatures.
This pilot project underscores the hidden potential of integrating sustainability into offshore wind farms. The results will be detailed in Deliverable 10.3, shedding light on how such designs could benefit marine ecosystems while supporting renewable energy development. Stay tuned for more insights as this research progresses.
Ulva Installation – Expansion of Nearshore Testing Capabilities
The collaborative efforts of the R&D Centre Kiel GmbH and the University of Gothenburg have culminated in the successful expansion of nearshore testing capabilities for ULTFARMS’ selected local strain of green macroalgae Ulva.
This milestone follows a regional sampling campaign in the Baltic Sea to identify strains suited for scalable aquaculture. Genetic variations among these strains enable them to adapt to environmental parameters, making them ideal for low-saline environments like the Baltic Sea.
Installed in the Kiel area, this Ulva strain is now under close observation, with weekly growth data collection already showing promising results. With a doubling in length every two weeks, the strain has demonstrated remarkable growth potential. These insights are central for further developments in sustainable, low-trophic aquaculture and indicate a possible spring harvest.
