The Biohut of the port of Cap d'Ail
Do you know the Biohut?
Since 2018, the Port of Cap d'Ail is equipped with 56 Biohut. This project is part of the NAPPEX
program, which aims to restore marine biodiversity in ports. Through this voluntary approach,
the port of Cap d'Ail aims to promote ecological and environmental practices within ports.
What is a Biohut?
A Biohut is a structure specifically designed to be used as a nursery for juvenile fish, providing a safe
and suitable habitat for their growth. By hiding in these shelters, juveniles can protect themselves
from predators and benefit from a stable environment, thus promoting their development.
Project Objectives:
1. Protection of Juvenile Fish:
Ports significantly alter the structure of the seabed, reducing natural habitats and shelters for
marine species. By providing refuges, the Biohut contributes to the preservation of endemic
species and the renewal of fish populations.
2. Public awareness:
A Biohut presentation, information panels and the organization of educational activities around
biodiversity sensitize visitors and users of the port to the importance of protecting the fauna and
flora of the port.
3. Contribution to the Clean Port and Clean Port Certification in Biodiversity:
This project is part of the port’s commitment and efforts to obtain and maintain Clean Port and Clean
Port Biodiversity Asset certifications that value initiatives and behaviours in favour of sustainability
and responsible management of resources marines.
Why is this important?
The preservation of marine ecosystems is essential to maintaining the balance of aquatic
environments. By promoting the development of juvenile fish, Biohut play a key role in the
regeneration of fish populations, which is crucial for biodiversity and the health of our seas. In three
years of monitoring, 9 species of fish and 39 species of vagile fauna were identified in the Biohut.
How to Participate?
We encourage all port users, residents and visitors to support this initiative. Learn about Biohut,
participate in awareness events and adopt environmentally responsible behaviours.
For more information on the NAPPEX programme and the Biohut initiative, please contact us
or visit our website.
Environmental approach
Dear yachtsmen,
We know how much you love the sea and its treasures. Sailing means enjoying the beauty and tranquillity of our blue planet. However, the maintenance of our boats can sometimes have a negative impact on marine biodiversity.
Why is this important?
The dangerous chemicals used to clean and maintain boats can cause serious damage to marine ecosystems. These substances can :
- Contaminate the water: Cleaning products, paints and solvents can pollute the water, affecting water quality and endangering marine life.
- Kill flora and fauna: Toxic products can kill aquatic plants and animals, upsetting the natural balance of ecosystems.
- Accumulate in the food chain: Chemicals can accumulate in marine organisms and end up on our plates, posing a risk to human health.
What can we do about it?
1. Use eco-friendly products: Opt for biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products.
2. Maintain your boat regularly: Regular maintenance reduces the need for aggressive chemicals.
3. Reduce the use of toxic antifouling paints: Choose environmentally friendly paints or alternative systems such as copper hulls or cleaning brushes.
4. Dispose of waste correctly: Never throw chemicals, paint or oil overboard. Use the dedicated collection points.
Good luck and thank you for your commitment to the environment!
Our environmental approach
Preserving aquatic environments, protecting the environment and acting in favour of sustainable development have always been at the heart of our concerns
The Port of Cap d'Ail has decided to renew its commitment to the NAPPEX programme for the next four years.
Last April, the old Biohuts were removed from the water and 49 new nurseries were installed.
2024
On Saturday, October 5th, a new operation for pollution removal and cleaning of the seabed was organized at the Cap d'Ail marina. We took action to protect our environment and preserve our marine heritage.
2023
On Saturday, October 7th, a new operation for depollution and cleaning of the seabed was organized at the Cap d’Ail marina. We acted to protect our environment and preserve our marine heritage.
2022
Insect hotel
A step further in the protection of biodiversity: installation of the insect hotel on 1 March 2022
2021
Video of the seabed clean-up operation of 23 October 2021
2019
Biodiversity Trophy
Maud Fontenoy and Michel Perrin: presentation of the Biodiversity Trophy at the Port of Cap d'Ail on 28 May 2019
This is why the port of Cap d'Ail is proud to have obtained in 2019 the renewal of the European CLEAN PORTS certification (since 2015) and the new CLEAN PORTS ACTIVE IN BIODIVERSITY certification
2017
Since 2017, the Port of Cap d'Ail has also been awarded the PAVILLON BLEU label
INTRODUCTION GALLERY
CLEAN PORTS ACTIVE IN BIODIVERSITY
Cap d’Ail harbor adheres to the approach ” Clean Ports “, whose objective is the elimination of all potential sources of pollution. OWN A POINT used for the collection of industrial waste (contact the Harbour ) . Two points of municipal waste collection with recycling are available on the Port. Any pollutant discharge into the water is prohibited. The collection of black water is possible by connecting from the dock for equipped items , or by pumping from a barge ( ECOTANK company). Protecting the environment is a major concern of the marina of Cap d’Ail.
