Artificial Rock Pools will Provide New Homes for Marine Life

An innovative environmental initiative designed to encourage marine life to set up home in artificial rock pools is making waves in Strangford Lough. 

Ten so-called Vertipools have been attached to the seawall at Strangford Yacht Club on the shores of the internationally claimed waterway at Whiterock.

The concrete honeycombe-style structures, designed by Artecology, have been bolted to the seawall as part of the ‘Greening the Grey’ initiative spearheaded by Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark and the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership. A similar project proved successful in the Isle of Wight UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. 

Believed to be the first of their kind to be installed in Northern Ireland, the Vertipools are designed to mimic natural rock pools by retaining seawater at low tide, creating shelter for marine life including barnacles, seaweed, crabs and starfish, helping to transform the existing seawall into a thriving coastal habitat.

The pilot project aims to support biodiversity, improve climate resilience and encourage greater awareness of the rich marine environment found within Strangford Lough. The pools are expected to provide refuge for species increasingly impacted by climate change and rising sea temperatures, while encouraging greater species diversity along the seawall. 

Extensive planning and marine licensing were undertaken to ensure the installation supports the protected environmental designations of Strangford Lough. And it is hoped the success of the scheme will lead to similar projects being developed across the Geopark area in the future.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, who helped attach the artificial rock pools to the seawall at Whiterock said, “This scheme not only provides a new home for a range of marine life but will prove to be an invaluable educational resource as well.

“Vertipools can attract sea creatures which thrive in their crevices but aren't found elsewhere on the seawall and maybe more of these artificial rock pools will be located across our coastline to provide a fascinating insight into our rich marine life. This is an excellent initiative.”

Cllr Campbell said the district is blessed with a stunningly beautiful coastline and wonderful waterways teaming with marine life, with the new Vertipools providing a window of what’s happening beneath the surface.