Sparganium, study for the conservation of protected aquatic species

Pilot study for the conservation of protected aquatic species: Protocol for ex situ cultivation and translocation of Sparganium emersum (Sparganium) populations.

In order to fulfil its three public-service missions (production, navigation, irrigation), the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) has to carry out development projects affecting protected aquatic plant species.

The objective of this study is to refine the methodologies to be put in place to conserve these organisms through ex situ seed cultivation and the translocation of the plants to new receiving stations. The target species for this pilot study is the European bur-reed, Sparganium emersum.

The established protocol follows different steps:

1. gathering of prior knowledge (characterisation of potential source and host stations, bibliographic synthesis);
2. harvesting and ex situ cultivation (germination test and then cultivation);
3. in situ translocation and site follow-up.