Redeveloped docks as artificial lagoons: The development of brackish‐water communities and potential for conservation of lagoonal species

Abstract

ABSTRACT1. The use of redeveloped docks for the conservation of lagoonal communities is considered with particular reference to the South Docks in Liverpool.2. Redevelopment of the previously derelict South Docks since 1981 has created a semi-enclosed, brackish body of water by dredging of dock basins that were filled with silt. The development of biological communities on the walls and in the sediments of these docks has been studied.3. A reasonably diverse flora and fauna was established on the walls within approximately six years, but a persistent sediment-dwelling community has not yet developed.4. Over 90 species of macroflora and macrofauna have been recorded from the South Docks to date. Three of these species are considered to be lagoonal specialists. 5.Considerations for the management of docks as a resource in the conservation of lagoonal communities are discussed.

Habitat recovery and restoration in aquatic ecosystems: current progress and future challenges

“…Restoring ecosystems in disused docks produced healthy but totally artificial cubist marine lagoons – perhaps ecosystem rehabilitation or remediation is a better term for the creation of these fascinating ‘lagoonoids’ at the heart of cities (Allen et al, ). Disregarding semantics the clear water of the docks in Liverpool makes a major contribution to inner city renewal, the high quality water being used for recreation and providing a high quality setting for residential housing, hotels, museums (Beatles Museum, National Maritime Museum, Tate Northern), restaurants, pubs and shops.…”

“…Generally, an assessment of the success of restoration measures should not be restricted to biological indices alone. Excellent examples include the restoration of the Isar River within the city boundaries of Munich, Germany (Binder, ), the opening and restoration of a former sewer, the Emscher in north‐western Germany (Figure (C)), and the rehabilitation of the former commercial dock basins in Liverpool (Hawkins et al, ; Hawkins et al, ; Allen et al, ; Figure (D)–(F)). These demonstrate the value of such restoration in an urban setting, which must be assessed based not only on biological and ecological criteria, but also in terms of the greater value to the public.…”

Conservation and restoration of marine forests in the Mediterranean Sea and the potential role of Marine Protected Areas

“…Nevertheless restoration actions have been experimented within estuarine habitats [72][73][74][75], coastal urbanized areas [76][77][78], wetlands [79], coral reefs [80], seagrass and eelgrass beds [81,82]. Restoration of kelp and fucoid forests has also been explored in Asia, especially China, Japan and Korea and in North and South America [83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90].…”

Restoration of temperate marine and coastal ecosystems: nudging nature

“…The dense mussel settlement in autumn 1988 provided a secondary substratum for a rich associated fauna. The amphipods Jassa marmorata, Corophium insidiosum and Microdeutopus gryllotalpa and the polychaete Polydora ciliata were abundant in the organically rich matrix between the mussels (Allen et al, 1995). Some sessile filter feeders such as Botryllus schlosseri and Balanus species were most commonly found attached to mussel shells.…”

“…These are the amphipod Corophium insidiosum, the prawn Palaemonetes 6arians and the bryozoan Conopeum seurati. The potential of redeveloped docks as a resource in conservation of lagoonal and other species is an area warranting further investigation Allen et al, 1995).…”