One of the hundreds of projects implemented through Improve Aquatic LIFE is the restoration of reefs and the important eelgrass meadows in the Kattegat and the Öresund regions.
Skånes coast is getting a significant boost through a project which aims to restore marine habitats in Kattegat and Öresund. By reintroducing stone reefs and planting eelgrass, important ecosystems will recover, benefiting fish, seabirds and marine mammals.
Eelgrass meadows – important underwater habitats
Eelgrass meadows play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They provide shelter and nursery grounds for fish, crabs and other marine animals, while also stabilizing the seabed and reducing waves and current energy. By reducing erosion and contributing to clearer waters, they also help protect coastlines. Eelgrass also absorbs nutrients, helping to counteract eutrophication and improve marine water quality.
The project focuses on three Natura 2000 areas, where sandbanks and reefs have been degraded by eutrophication, boat traffic and historical removal of stones. Restoration measures include replacing stones to create new reefs and replanting eelgrass across 1.5 hectares.
Strengthening cod and mussel populations
These efforts aim to strengthen populations of cod, blue mussels and other marine species, while also improving water quality. At the same time, information boards will be installed to prevent boats from anchoring and damaging these sensitive seabed habitats.
The project represents an important part of the work to restore Skåne’s marine environments and to create a more sustainable future for the ecosystems of Kattegat and Öresund.