Global evidence for the ecological effects of greening of grey infrastructure: a systematic review protocol

Authors

• Jessica R. Allen, School of Biological and Marine Sciences
• Louise B. Firth, University College Cork
• Melanie J. Bishop, Macquarie University
• Katherine A. Dafforn, University of Massachusetts Boston
• Ferrante Grasselli, Arc Marine
• Mick E. Hanley, School of Biological and Marine Sciences
• Antony M. Knights, University College Cork
• Mariana Mayer-Pinto, University of New South Wales
• Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, School of Biological and Marine Sciences
• Kathryn A. O’Shaughnessy, Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory
• Francesca Porri, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity Makhanda South Africa
• Rebecca K. Smith, University of Cambridge
• Elisabeth M.A. Strain, University of Tasmania
• Anaëlle J. Lemasson, School of Biological and Marine Sciences

ORCID

• Mick E. Hanley: 0000-0002-3966-8919
• Abigail McQuatters-Gollop: 0000-0002-6043-9563
• Anaëlle J. Lemasson: 0000-0002-5158-0610

Abstract

BackgroundThe presence of artificial structures in our marine environments is increasing rapidly, with negative impacts for biodiversity. Greening of grey infrastructure (GGI) - an eco-engineering method applied to the marine context - aims to increase the ecological value of traditional grey infrastructure, while still allowing it to perform its primary human-centric function. GGI is a rapidly increasing field of research, being tested and implemented worldwide by academics, private practitioners, governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), amongst others, using a variety of methods. Outcomes vary widely, and results are communicated across a range of peer-reviewed and grey literature, rendering the evidence base for the effectiveness of GGI fragmented. To inform future decision-making regarding GGI application, it is critical to consolidate and evaluate existing research. To do so, we propose a systematic review and meta-analysis that will answer the following primary question: “What are the effects of GGI interventions applied to marine structures on the diversity, abundance, biomass, composition, and functional diversity of species on or around these ecologically enhanced structures?”. Additionally, we will answer a series of secondary questions relating to intervention type, material use, geographic variations and other relevant associated variables.MethodsThis systematic review will follow the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence Guidelines and Standards for Evidence Synthesis in Environmental Management. Using a defined search string, literature searches will be run in English in at least five databases, three repositories and 10 websites, gathering both peer-reviewed and grey literature. Returns will be screened at title, abstract, and full text levels against defined inclusion criteria. Relevant metadata and effect data will be extracted from each study and used to write a narrative review and, where data allow, a meta-analysis of quantified effects. This review will provide a robust, up to date, consolidated and evaluated evidence base to inform future decision-making regarding the implementation of greening of grey infrastructure methods.

DOI Link

10.1186/s13750-026-00382-z

Publication Date

2026-02-09

Publication Title

Environmental Evidence

Volume

15

Issue

1

Acceptance Date

2026-02-09

Deposit Date

2026-04-21

Additional Links

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13750-026-00382-z

Keywords

Biodiversity enhancement, Eco-engineering, Environmental evidence, Environmental intervention, Evidence synthesis, Nature-based solutions, Urban ecology

Recommended Citation

Allen, J., Firth, L., Bishop, M., Dafforn, K., Grasselli, F., Hanley, M., Knights, A., Mayer-Pinto, M., McQuatters-Gollop, A., O’Shaughnessy, K., Porri, F., Smith, R., Strain, E., & Lemasson, A. (2026) 'Global evidence for the ecological effects of greening of grey infrastructure: a systematic review protocol', Environmental Evidence, 15(1). Available at: 10.1186/s13750-026-00382-z