About the project
The LIFE Lophelia project was run by the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg. The work was co-financed by the EU Commission (the LIFE fund) and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. The project started in September 2019 and was completed in December 2025.
The LIFE Lophelia project has received funding from the European Union according to Grant agreement n° LIFE18 NAT/SE /000959.
Information folder about the project (pdf)
The project’s objectives were
- To further develop a method using artificial reef structures – which has been tested in the restoration of tropical coral reefs – to suit the coral Desmophyllum pertusum (syn. Lophelia pertusa).
- To cost-effectively restore previously identified areas containing dead and living corals in the Kosterfjorden-Väderöfjorden.
- To increase biodiversity through living reefs.
- To contribute to a favourable conservation status in the area in the future.
- To disseminate knowledge about the eye coral and how coral reefs can be restored.
The various parts of the project
Method development – testing materials and the design of artificial reef structures to optimise contact and attachment of coral larvae. This was carried out primarily in a laboratory setting.
Preparatory seabed survey – a detailed mapping of the seabed to analyse exactly where the artificial reefs should be deployed. Survey of biodiversity and various environmental factors.
Restoration – the artificial reef structures were deployed in all previously known coral areas in the Kosterfjord–Väderöfjord. These areas had previously been protected from trawling, and this protection has now been strengthened by the introduction of a total ban on fishing.
Monitoring and evaluation – to observe how the artificial reefs are developing and to monitor biodiversity around the reefs.
Dissemination of knowledge and results – both in Sweden and across Europe through, amongst other things, articles, lectures, exhibition materials and a website. The project has also produced a technical handbook on the restoration of cold-water corals.
