Octopuses, crustaceans, sea slugs, serranos, and even torpedo rays have been inhabiting the waters in front of Port Olímpic for a few months now. The arrival of new species in front of the port is no coincidence: with its renovation, 50 artificial reefs were anchored, 20 steel baskets were submerged, and the blocks of the Dic de Recer were modified to facilitate their colonization by marine life.
Just one year later, more than a hundred species have settled in the structures, which have become a refuge and breeding ground for fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and sponges. Thus, the installed structures have favored the proliferation of native flora and fauna of the area, as well as fish larvae and invertebrates common in port spaces.
"We have placed the contribution to the recovery of marine biodiversity as one of the highest priorities in the entire transformation project of Port Olímpic," highlighted the mayor, Jaume Collboni. After emphasizing that the area will not be for fishing or diving as it is a port area, Collboni invited Barcelonians to be proud of the work done underwater, even if it is not visible.
With these structures, Port Olímpic, managed by Barcelona Serveis Municipals (BSM), has taken another step in its purpose of fostering marine biodiversity and contributing to the regeneration of the Barcelona coastline. At the same time, the arrival of these species positions Port Olímpic as a leading port in the recovery of biodiversity.
To analyze how the colonization of these reefs continues to evolve, Port Olímpic will periodically monitor what happens beneath its waters. It will do so through a project led by the Fundació Barcelona Zoo in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the University of Barcelona (UB), and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia – Barcelona Tech (UPC).
Transformation of Mar Bella
The transformation of the Barcelona coastline continues to advance, but it is not finished. As Collboni pointed out, will culminate with the redevelopment of the Mar Bella promenade,in the central section that extends between Bac de Roda and the Fòrum Marine Platform.In the last section of the Catalan capital's coastline that remains to be remodeled, Collboni has highlighted that sports practice will have a "very special prominence."