These brown algae, which purify the water, are mostly found in the south, where they are also at risk due to beach expansion works. The algae planted on January 24 at a depth of two and a half meters were grown in the laboratory.

Brown algae, or Cystoseira barbata, are an endangered species with significant ecological value. Therefore, their development in the laboratory is essential.

Dr. Mirela Moldoveanu, researcher at the Institute of Biology Bucharest of the Romanian Academy: "Laboratory work involves many stages; we also tried to multiply it in microcosms, in controlled aquariums, where we can set its living conditions as close to natural as possible".

It took nearly a year to develop the first batch of algae.

Fifty algae seedlings were planted on the seabed in Constanța and Agigea. By the end of April, 500 such plants will be mounted in the sand by divers.

The nursery in Constanța is located in the Pescărie area. It covers 140 square meters. If the seedlings encounter no issues, they could reach even one meter in height and could potentially spread over a considerable area.

In Agigea, the nursery is located between the newly arranged beach and the Eforie Nord resort, covering a larger area of 150 square meters.

Laurențiu Dobre, diver: "Work was done at two and a half meters, materials were placed in natural crevices and natural pits, in a rocky terrain. We are waiting to see the results in the next few days".

Researchers' monitoring indicates that currently, the species is only found in certain areas in the southern coastal region. For this reason, authorities are attempting to populate the northern areas as well.

Florin Timofte, researcher at the National Institute for Marine Research and Development "Grigore Antipa" (INCDM): "They are found in the southern limit from Vama Veche to the Neptun resort area. There are a few isolated patches identified in the area of the city of Constanța. They live only in the stone area. In the central area of the coast, there are very exposed zones due to waves, the coast is straight, there is no protection, so there are none in those areas".

Oana Marin, biologist at the National Institute for Marine Research and Development "Grigore Antipa" (INCDM): "It is one of the most important algal species on the Romanian coast, forming a habitat for numerous organisms, but more than that, it has numerous benefits for society. It can be the basis for extracts, which can later be incorporated into various components in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry".

Should the project prove successful, we will ascertain the results next year. Until then, the seedlings will be continuously monitored.