Yacht Club de Monaco is giving its full support to a new initiative to develop an ecological corridor in Port Hercule, by allowing 24 marine fauna nurseries to be installed in the YCM Marina.

Since 2014, the Maritime Affairs Department (DAM), Environment Department (DE) and the body that runs Monaco’s harbours, Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco (SEPM) have been installing the Ecocéan company’s “Biohuts” in the Principality’s two harbours to create artificial habitats. In effect, they are recreating the nursery function of rocky and sandy seabed habitats, by protecting larvae from predators to give them more chance to survive into adulthood.

The Biohuts have proved effective judging by the biannual scientific monitoring reports from BIOTOPE which has recorded the presence of 416 fish of different species and a well-developed and varied fauna. That’s why DAM, the DE and SEPM have decided to continue with the partnership for another four years.

Last week, a total of 79 of these nurseries were installed, covering Port Hercule and Port of Fontvieille to help restore this human-activity-impacted ecosystem.