and coastal environment

LIFE, the EU funding tool for the Environment

Since 1992, LIFE has contributed to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental policy and legislation by co-financing pilot or demonstration projects with European added value. In the coastal and marine environment, LIFE has supported initiatives that protect habitats and species, and helped to green economic activities in sea and coastal areas.

LIFE & the marine

NOiSe POllUTiOn
Photo: LIFE05/ENV/NL/000018

SAVinG SeAlS
Photo: LIFE05/GR/NAT/000083

SUSTAinABle DReDGinG
Photo: LIFE06/ENV/FIN/000195

CeTAceAnS & TURTleS

Photo: LIFE02/NAT/E/008610

The NoMEPorts project developed and demonstrated a structured approach to mapping and reducing environmental noise problems in industrial seaport areas. While the EU Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) specifies that industrial port areas near large agglomerations must be included in noise maps, it does not provide specific guidelines. NoMEPorts was developed by six European port areas (Amsterdam, Livorno, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Citavecchia and Valencia) and provides noise maps and action plans to mitigate this type of noise problem. Noise nuisance was measured from: Heavy industry from IPPC categories Noisy industry not part of IPPC Road traffic Railways Smaller industries The project compiled its findings in a Good Practice Guide to Port Area Noise Mapping and Management. It highlighted the dominant role that road traffic such as from trucks entering the terminals plays in generating noise around port areas, as well as the relatively low level of noise generated by ships manoeuvring in port areas. It also found that citizens living close to seaports generally do not consider the port as the main cause of noise annoyance. The success of the project is exemplified by the more than 30% reduction of noise achieved in the Port of Amsterdam, which exceeded the long-term objective to reduce noise nuisance in port areas by 25%.

MOFI aimed to improve the conservation status of

the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in Greece, which is home to 90% of the European population of this critically endangered species (200-250 individuals). It focused on minimising the conflicts between monk seals and fishermen that are seriously threatening the survival of the species. In cooperation with the fishing sector, the project formulated measures to reduce the negative impacts of such conflicts and raise awareness about monk seals. The project targeted seven areas with large populations of the species, carrying out the following actions: Recording and monitoring of seal-fishery interactions and related seal mortality in collaboration with local fishermen. Training of local fishermen to respond and actively participate in the rescue of monk seals. A first study of the feeding preferences of the monk seal through analysis of stomach contents and stable isotopes. The drawing up of a 2009-2015 National Strategy for the Conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal. The creation of an Action Plan for the mitigation of seal-fishery interactions. An extensive-raising awareness campaign that consisted of a 15-minute documentary (Fishermen and Seals), 21 visits to schools, two scientific publications, TV and radio bulletins and 18 national and international events.

The STABLE project demonstrated an economically and environmentally viable treatment for stabilising contaminated sediments from port dredging. An essential part of these sediments are contaminated with pollutants such as tributyl tin (TBT). As it is hazardous, the material cannot be easily disposed of without risking long-term negative effects on the environment. The project developed different ways to mix contaminated dredged sludge, fly ash and cement to make a stabile, non-leaching mixture, which can be used in infrastructure construction instead of virgin raw materials. In fact, this new methodology allowed the amount of cement in the mix to be reduced from 250 kg/m3 to 45 kg/m3. Stabilisation equipment was also developed that enables large volumes of sludge and materials to be treated in a short time. The project also demonstrated a very precise and environmentally friendly dredging method that minimises turbidity and excessive water uptake in the dredged material. The low water content of the dredged material reduces the amount of binder needed to stabilise the sediment. Being GPS-steered, this new crab also allows the dredged mass to be closely surveyed. This new technology is considered to offer an efficient solution for treating the around 200 million cubic metres of dredged materials produced in the EU every year.

CETACEOS MEDITERRANEO addressed the

negative impact of human activities on the habitats of cetaceans and turtles on the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. This area is of great interest for such fauna, acting as a corridor between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, but it is also subject to intense human pressure and maritime traffic. The project aimed to improve the conservation status of three species: the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). This was achieved by developing management models for turtles and cetaceans as well as those areas important for their conservation. Cetceos Mediterrneo is an excellent example of the importance of cooperation among relevant stakeholders. Through the collaboration of local fishermen and relevant national and international organisations, the project managed to modify maritime traffic at Cabo de Gata. After a joint request, the International Maritime Organization moved the Cabo de GataTraffic SeparationScheme offshore, a solution favourable to all interests. This represents a remarkable achievement in a global context and one that avoids maritime traffic in one of the best areas for the targeted species. Given the economic importance of agriculture, fishing and tourism in the neighbouring Spanish regions of Murcia and Andaluca, this marine ecosystem conservation project has proved to be an essential element of the regions long-term socio-economic development.

Environment