VIII. Improving water quality

Bringing nature on board: Embracing biodiversity at MB92

By Marc Hervás MB92 Group Sustainability Coordinator

Among the expanses of global marine waters, coastal areas are the richest and most productive. At the interface between marine and terrestrial environments, they play an essential role in maintaining global ecological and hydrological balances, as well as in the life cycle of many animal and plant species.

Areas of high maritime traffic and port development have put these ecosystems into direct conflict with human activity and suffered as a result. We are increasingly becoming aware, through conservation and scientific research, of the fragility of these communities, and how the loss of keystone species can lead to the collapse of entire ecosystems.

Furthermore, supporting a healthy and thriving wildlife community can unlock numerous benefits, from preserving water quality to combatting climate change.

A regenerative approach

Protecting and supporting biodiversity in and beyond our facilities is a key element of our sustainability strategy with several actions completed or in development in 2022.

As part of this, we are actively engaging with local and regional projects that explore innovative nature-based approaches, striving to create a harmonious coexistence between human activities and natural ecosystems, and minimising risks to biodiversity.

One of our main focuses in 2022 was to reduce freshwater consumption in our facilities by all parties. With dry and hot periods becoming longer, the pressure exerted on natural resources is increasing and so responsible use is essential. We have plans in place to reinforce this effort through the introduction of desalinisation plants and/or systems to recirculate water in our facilities in 2023.

At our sites in La Ciotat and Barcelona, we have implemented sustainable features to support nature regeneration. In La Ciotat, as part of the 4,300-tonne shiplift project, we established a fish nursery, providing a sanctuary for species that utilise port areas as shelter. Similarly, in

Barcelona, we have installed innovative BioBoosting structures that promote biodiversity development. Scientific organisations will closely monitor these initiatives, assessing their progress alongside other studies evaluating water quality, bio-indicators, and invasive species. Quarterly measurement and analysis will enable us to make data-driven decisions, with the first set of results expected to be published in 2023.

Harnessing mussel power

Looking forward, we are working on a pioneering project that utilises mussels as a natural filter. By deploying floating platforms with mussel ropes, we enable the filtration of surrounding water areas. This innovative approach not only reduces heavy metals and organic matter but also provides valuable insights into the ecosystem. Mussels carry genetic material from neighbouring species, making them valuable sources of information.

Through genetic studies, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem’s health and detect the presence of invasive species. With the potential to scale this project, we will share the results with other port areas and blue economy stakeholders, aiming to foster engagement and collaboration.

Collaboration for positive change

Ocean welfare requires collaboration between scientific, business, and institutional communities to make meaningful positive change. We have witnessed this in action on board yachts, where science has informed to impactful regulatory changes by organisations such as the IMO and US Coast Guard regarding ballast water management. This spirit of cooperation also drives innovation in areas like antifouling alternatives, promoting greater harmony with marine wildlife.

By embracing biodiversity as our partner, we have the potential to unlock immense possibilities. By nurturing ocean ecosystems, conserving resources, and fostering collaboration, we hope to safeguard our coastal areas and ensure their resilience and vitality for the future.

Marc Hervás MB92 Group Sustainability Coordinator

VIII. Improving water quality

Context

The Mediterranean area has suffered a series of dry years and we are conscious of the need to be efficient in water usage, especially freshwater consumption.

MB92 has slightly increased the fresh water consumption level compared to last year, which lead to an investment plan arround water management for the near future.

In regard to wastewater quality, we have room to improve, and we are working closely with employees, customers and subcontractors to avoid high pollution of wastewaters beyond the purification capacity of our wastewater treatment plants. And finally, there is the impact of waste and contamination on the port waters.

We are committed to working alongside stakeholders to ensure a continued improvement in the water quality in and around our facilities.