Restoration and sustainable management of bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) in the Gulf of Riga (FUCUS)

Restoration and sustainable management of bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) in the Gulf of Riga (FUCUS)

The aim of the project is to develop methods and conduct experiments for the restoration of bladderwrack Fucus vesiculosus in the Gulf of Riga in order to maintain a healthy and sustainable population. Population restoration experiments will be carried out in the waters of Latvia and Estonia, while testing methods in different environmental conditions and at the end of the project developing guidelines for restoration and sustainable use of F. vesiculosus.

In the framework of the project LHEI will:

• gather information about the former and existing populations of bladderwrack in the Gulf of Riga and the environmental factors that limit their spread;
• select viable donor crops for experiments on the restoration of bladderwrack, as well as the most suitable locations for the restoration;
• conduct 5 different pilot studies in 2 locations in Latvian and 2 locations in Estonian territorial waters together with the Estonian partner;
• carry out regular monitoring of restored bladderwrack and develop guidelines on the most effective restoration methods and as well as a plan for its sustainable development and use.

Project partners

• Estonian Marine Institute (Tartu University) – lead partner
• Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology