SEACURE Project Deploys Nature-Based Solutions to Combat Ecosystem Eutrophication Across the Mediterranean Basin

The SEACURE project uses nature-based solutions to stop nutrient pollution in the Mediterranean. Discover how wetlands and precision farming prevent algal blooms.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 27, 2026, 3:37 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Earth.Org

The Growing Threat of Nutrient Saturation in Marine Ecosystems

The Mediterranean Sea is facing a systemic ecological challenge as surplus nitrogen and phosphorus from terrestrial sources continue to saturate aquatic environments. These nutrients, primarily derived from agricultural fertilizers and sewage effluents, trigger a process known as eutrophication, where rapid algal proliferation depletes oxygen levels and causes mass mortality among fish and other marine organisms. To address this, the SEACURE project, led by the BETA Technological Centre, is testing a holistic "soil-river-sea" management strategy. This initiative focuses on intercepting nutrient runoff at the source and implementing restorative measures before these pollutants reach the vulnerable Mediterranean coastline.

Precision Agriculture and Tailor-Made Fertilization Strategies

In central Catalonia, a region historically burdened by nitrate pollution from intensive livestock farming, researchers are implementing precision agriculture to reduce the input of mineral fertilizers. By utilizing Tailor-Made Fertilizers (TMFs) derived from organic livestock waste, farmers can optimize plant growth while minimizing environmental impact. These organic formulations are applied through fertigation systems, which dissolve nutrients directly into irrigation water to enhance circularity and efficiency. Additionally, the project promotes living soil horticulture—using composts and reduced tillage—to improve the soil's natural ability to retain nutrients and prevent leaching during heavy rainfall.

Restoring Soil Health Through Vegetative Cover

The implementation of cover crops and perennial vegetation represents a vital defense against diffuse nutrient pollution in agricultural landscapes. By sowing plants between harvests or maintaining permanent vineyards and olive groves, farmers can stabilize soil structures and prevent erosion caused by wind and runoff. These living root systems act as biological filters, capturing excess nitrogen that would otherwise be lost to the river network when fields are left bare. This nature-based approach not only enhances soil microbial diversity but also reduces the long-term dependency on external chemical inputs, creating a more resilient agricultural ecosystem.