NAPPEX (Artificial Nurseries for Exemplary Ports) is an appellation that identifies exemplary ports committed to sustain biodiversity within their water by implementing habitats adapted to fish larvae and many other marine species.

What is an artificial nursery?

An artificial nursery is an infrastructure restoring the nursery function of shallow rocky and sandy bottoms who have been destroyed through construction works induced by coastal development. The process aims to provide habitat for post-larvae and young fish recruits, allowing them to be protected from predation while they reach “the refuge size”. They will then be able to contribute to the increase of local adult populations.

Towards Exemplary Ports

Thanks to the existence of a diversified range of artificial nurseries, docks, rocky breakwaters, pontoons and all coastal infrastructures can become true shelters for many aquatic species. Ports can thus contribute to the improvement of biodiversity within their environment. A NAPPEX port is a port that, after having committed itself to a “clean port” plan of action (water quality, waste management …), decides to take a step further towards exemplarity by integrating biodiversity to its environmental approach.

Why getting involved in a NAPPEX approach?

Biohut protect and restore biodiversity to contribute to a good environmental status, meets environmental regulations (MSFD 2008/56 / EC and WFD 2000/60 /EC), facilitates the acceptance of maritime development projects while promoting the port environmental commitment to citizens and users.

Biohut – video from Ecocean on Vimeo.