In the context of the loss of some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in shallow coastal hard-bottom ecosystems due to the decline of macroalgae forest species (Steneck et al.,2002), Algal Forest Restoration in the Mediterranean Sea (AFRIMED) which underlies this project aims to improve existing and develop new innovative restoration actions in order to restore damaged or degraded macroalgal forests (Cystoseira) (Project Overview, 2021). From global climate change to the presence of invasive species, from grazing to eutrophication, global and local stressors have been recognized as the key causes of macroalgal forest declines (Mineur et al., 2015). The loss of crucial ecosystem services such as fisheries, as well as a decrease in the capability of oceans to sequester carbon dioxide and help mitigate climate change, are some of the associated repercussions (Verdura et al., 2018). Given the rapid decline of some of these canopy-forming species urgent actions are required to stimulate their recovery.