The Port of Brussels is on a mission to install more than 200 m2 of additional vegetated rafts in the Brussels Canal. These green islands aim to boost biodiversity on and around the canal.
This new phase of the project follows the evaluation of the pilot project of 224 m2 of vegetated rafts, installed near the Bruxelles Royal Yacht Club in April 2022. An evaluation was also carried out with the assistance of students from Brussels primary schools in June 2023.
The evaluation of these vegetated rafts and underwater ‘biohuts’ have revealed very positive results and have been a strong signal for the Port of Brussels to continue the deployment of these innovative devices. The assessment consisted of ecological and technical monitoring and was carried out between May 2022 and June 2023.
These new green lungs are being installed in three locations in the Brussels port area:
- at the Béco basin, 55 m2 near the pier located on the left bank, along the new park being constructed by Beliris and Brussels Environment
- near the De Trooz bridge, two rafts of respectively 75 m2 and 40 m2, installed north of the De Trooz bridge
- upstream and downstream of the Brussels Cruise Terminal, the passenger terminal of the Port of Brussels, two 33 m2 rafts
To mark the start of the construction of new green rafts, students from the Allée verte and Tivoli primary schools took part in the educational event on 23 April. The event was organized in the presence of the Brussels Minister responsible for Climate Transition, Environment, Energy and Participatory Democracy and the President of the Port of Brussels.
Together with the first phase, this is one of Europe’s largest projects combining vegetated floating rafts and underwater cages, creating complex ecosystems and restoring the ecosystem services of spawning and reproduction areas. The project is a perfect example of the efforts of the Port of Brussels to boost biodiversity and sustainability, while still allowing economic development.
Brussels Minister of the Environment shared his views: “I am delighted with the willingness of the Port of Brussels to continue the installation of vegetated rafts on the canal for the benefit of local fauna and flora. It is indeed urgent to preserve our natural heritage and to halt the decline of biodiversity and the success of the first phase of this project illustrates that economic activities on the waterway and the development of biodiversity are indeed compatible.”
Ecological monitoring:
The main function of the vegetated rafts is to provide the canal fauna with different habitats adapted to the successful completion of their life cycle. Thus, they provide varied bank vegetation which offers shelter to many species and a food source for insects.
These rafts also serve as a resting and nesting area for waterbirds. Underwater, “biohut” habitats form shelters that promote the reproduction of fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Flora:
– The rafts were planted with 17 plant species of local origin.
– A minimum of 11 new species grew spontaneously on the rafts during the first year.
Fauna: In the underwater biohuts different kinds of fauna thrived:
– juvenile fish, such as the European eel, an endangered species
– a significant biomass of prey, such as aquatic arthropods, which can serve as food for juvenile fish
– no invasive species, such as the Chinese crab, were found. The rafts also served as nesting sites for a pair of mallard ducks as well as moorhens.
Technical monitoring:
A year of testing in a real-life situation has shown that the green islands are very resistant to the regular passing of boats and port life in general.
Maintaining the green islands requires ½ day per year to treat the 224 m², using a cleaning boat managed by the Port. Finally, regarding floating waste, virtually no waste was found on the rafts, and very little in their vicinity.
Interested to know more? Check our article about the first set of floating green islands in Brussels or visit the website of Port of Brussels to learn more about the major activities in the canal zone.
