NAPPEX (Artificial Nurseries for Exemplary Harbours)

NAPPEX (Artificial Nurseries for Exemplary Harbours) is today an appellation that identifies exemplary harbours committed to favouring biodiversity in their waters by setting up habitats adapted to fish larvae and numerous marine species.
To provide context, the post-larvae is the final pelagic larval stage in the life cycle of most coastal marine species, which is followed by a phase of colonization of their original littoral habitat. However, approximately 95% of post-larvae disappear within a few days due to predation, lack of habitat, or pollution. Some of them end up in sheltered areas of ports, which seem to be suitable for their development. Yet, up to 100% of these post-larvae can disappear because the design of ports, with their straight quays, traps and exposes them without protection to predators.
The NAPPEX project was selected as one of the 62 winners of the first call for projects of the National Biodiversity Strategy launched by the French Ministry of Ecology in 2011. The process called Biohut© aims to restore the nursery ecosystem service by protecting post-larvae and young recruits from predation, allowing them to reach a sufficient size to effectively contribute to the adult population. The modules are installed below the surface along quays or under floating pontoons and have a steel cage filled with oyster shells that provide a food source via fixed flora, surrounded by an empty cage that provides protection against predation. This patented process in 2013 is perfectly adapted to port developments and is available in a complete range of products. Since 2013, 4912 modules have been installed in over 52 ports throughout Europe.
A two-year scientific study conducted by the CNRS/CREM laboratory in Perpignan was carried out to prove the effectiveness of Biohut by measuring the environmental gain they provide to fish recruits and juveniles. The study also showed that the abundance and diversity of larvae vary depending on the port and the location of artificial nurseries. A follow-up of free, vagile, and fixed fauna was also carried out to complement this study.
Thanks to the different types of artificial nurseries available, such as quays, dikes, and pontoons, as well as all coastal developments, these structures become real shelters for many aquatic species. Ports thus contribute to improving biodiversity in their environment. A committed NAPPEX port is a port that, after engaging in a "clean port" approach for water quality and waste management, decides to take a step further towards exemplarity by integrating biodiversity into its approach.