Nature inspired Designing (NID) with the tube building sand mason worm, Lanice conchilega

Project Details

Description

General introduction

The tube-building polychaete or bristleworm Lanice conchilega is widely regarded as an ecosystem engineer, that stabilizes the sediment and increases biodiversity in the coastal zone. To what extent can the so-called sand mason also be used effectively as a nature-based application (NID) for coastal defense? That is the research question in COASTBUSTERS-LANICE. Increased sand erosion is just one of the effects of climate change on the coastal ecosystem. Sustainable coastal defense with an emphasis on nature-based solutions to stabilize the sand is tested in this project as an innovative technique to supplement the more familiar (often gray and harder) coastal management.


Research approach

Unlike mangroves and seagrasses, you cannot simply "plant" Lanice conchilega aggregations. We investigate how the larvae of the sand mason worm can be attracted to the target area in the coastal zone via an artificial substrate. We investigate the influence of various substrate characteristics (e.g. type of material, thickness, mesh size) on the local flow velocity, the entrapment of particles and settlement of the larvae. We do this through experiments in the laboratory, in a flume tank, and through field experiments at three locations in the intertidal area. We evaluate the potential effect of L. conchilega aggregations on flow and sedimentation processes. The influence of different L. conchilega densities on the current speed, wave climate and the resulting sedimentation/erosion processes are investigated in the field. The results will be used to develop a bio-hydro-sedimentological model (based on Mixt3SedFOAM and TELEMAC-GAIA) to evaluate the effect on the sediment balance in the target area.


Relevance/Valorisation

The knowledge from this project will also shed light on the potential upscaling. The Coastbusters-LANICE project uses L. conchilega as a test organism to proof the efficient use of marine species of soft sediments (with a pelagic larvae phase) in nature-based designs, where sediment needs to be stabilized and biodiversity enrichment is desirable. Marine infrastructure projects, such as coastal defense, nature restoration, NID & offshore constructions contribute to a comprehensive approach to protect and restore a healthy and resilient marine ecosystem. Industry and government are partners and stakeholders in these developments.


Funding provider(s)
VLAIO - Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen
AcronymCOASTBUSTERS - LANICE
StatusActive
Effective start/end date1/10/2430/09/28

Funding

  • VLAIO

Data Management Plan flag for FRIS

  • DMP not present

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