Most recently, 20 pools were placed in the rocks that will form the main sea defence in the area between Blue Reef Aquarium and the Beach Club – currently under construction.
In addition, there are 18 pools in the rocks near Long Curtain Moat area and 45 along the seafront by Southsea Castle.
Coastal Environmental Project Engineer Laura Denham said: “These specially designed concrete units create small rock pools that mimic natural coastal habitats helping marine life to thrive on our coastline.
“By incorporating the concrete pools into our defences we’re strengthening Southsea’s coastline, as well as enhancing biodiversity and supporting sea life.”
In addition to the tide pools, 173 granite rocks (that form part of the rock defence) have been hollowed out to create a natural means of encouraging water retention and colonisation of marine species.
These ‘rock munched’ pools are found on the groyne near Southsea Castle and within the rock defence currently under construction between the Blue Reef Aquarium and the Beach Club.
The effectiveness of the 45 tide pools and 55 rock munched pools installed near Southsea Castle was assessed independently in summer 2024, with the report concluding that: “…the ecological enhancements incorporated into the Southsea Coastal Scheme have increased the number of species and diversity of marine life on the rock revetment, which is likely to develop over the next 5+ years.”
Portsmouth City Council Leader, Cllr Steve Pitt said: “This conclusion is very encouraging and highlights the importance of incorporating environmental initiatives into our coastal defences while building a more resilient and sustainable shoreline.”
