Two techniques were applied to measure the success of the restoration actions carried out last year, growth monitoring and biodiversity assessment. As for the first one, height is a widely used parameter, not only on algae but other marine organisms such as phanerogams, as a health indicator and will give us an idea of the development state of the restored populations []. Regarding the biodiversity assessment, benthic macrofauna communities have long been regarded as a possible tool for monitoring either man-induced or natural long-term changes in marine ecosystems and will allow us to detect changes in terms of richness or community composition.
Growth monitoring
Height measurements are carried out monthly to follow the evolution of the new recruits, this will give us information on the growth rate but also will allow us to check if the structures remain stable or if any problems have arisen such as broken clay or it is totally covered by epiphytes.
Biodiversity assessment
For all the intervention actions carried out so far, macrofauna associated is counted and identified monthly from time zero. The taxonomic identification was performed at the phylum level. In addition, the biodiversity of the benthic community associated with the donor population is also studied to be able to compare both populations.
What's next?
Check the part of the Team to know more about the people behind all these actions...