The Posidonia (Posidonia Oceanica), An endemic marine plant of the Mediterranean SeaHas a great unknown to the general public to become a hot and current problem that we often speak. Its growing relevance is broadly justified because of the crucial role for the correct functioning of the marine environment and to reduce the effects of climate change.
The Posidonia is a kind of marine phanerogamaPlants of vital importance for our health and that of the ocean. Despite the growing recognition, however, it remains essential that we continue to increase awareness about its importance and promote their preservation, Because this species is in regression in the Mediterranean Sea.
Scientists believe that in the last 50 years, The area occupied by Posidonia has fallen by more than 30% in the Western Mediterranean Sea. This drastic reduction calls serious concerns about the future of this submarine habitat and the general health of our seas.
Preservation of the Oceanic Posidonia in the Mediterranean Sea
The study ‘immersed forests’, conducted by Aula Foundation of the Mediterranean Sea (FAMM) and Coca-Cola Circular Seas, shows the need for take urgent measures to maintain the Posidonia Oceanica On the Mediterranean Sea.
After an exhaustive investigation into the preservation status of the prairies of Posidonia Oceanica In the provinces of Malaga, Granada and Almería it has been noted that the majority of the grasslands in the province of Malaga have an unfavorable and even critical state and are being replaced by the incoming algae Rugulopteryx Okamurae (R. Okamurae) from Japan, China and Korea.
The study concludes that the presence of invasive species, together with the deterioration of the habitat due to human activities and the temperature rise, makes it essential to take urgent measures to prevent the latest bastions from Posidonia Oceanica Those remain in this area disappear, in turn that influences all the corresponding biodiversity that they accommodate.
Therefore, and in accordance with that urgency, the Famm, by the hand of circular seas, the project for protection and Preservation of aquatic environments and biodiversity, as well as for the promotion of the circular economy Promoted by Coca-Cola, a pilot for the replanting of the replanting of Posidonia In Malaga (Marbella).
A fundamental role in the ecosystem
The meadows of Posidonia Oceanica They are essential for the marine ecosystem because of their ability to abduct carbon, of great importance to reduce the effects of climate change. Moreover, they offer habitat to countless marine species that use it as a spawn and refuge for baking.
However, they are, however threatened by human activities such as fishing arts such as drags and flakesThe anchor of the ships and the extraction of sand, in addition to the arrival of invasive species and the increase in temperature due to climate change.
The study, Made in 2024, he analyzed the environmental status of eight Postidonia grasslands on the coasts of the provinces of Malaga (5), Granada (1) and Almería (2). A work that had been possible thanks to the collaboration of more than 150 voluntary diver.
To implement it, the guidelines have been developed by the University of Malaga and the Junta de Andalucía, which assume the analysis of various biological and ecological indicators and comprises the use of transects and quadrants to measure the coverage of the meadowsthe density and length of the Oceanic Posidonia beams, As well as the presence of accompanying and invasive species, especially Rugulopterix Okamurae.
The Alborán Sea
This study concludes that The state of Posidonia in the Sea of Alborán has a remarkable variabilityWith a better state of general preservation in the most oriental regions. In the vicinity of Cabo de Gata, the prairies showed a healthier state, with densities and heights that indicate a good preservation.
The meadows of Malaga (Estepona and Nerja), on the other hand, presented a critical state, affected by the algae invasion R. Okamurae, that the Posidonia Oceanica. The presence of these invasive Asian algae generates an alarming situation, because the competition per light and space has drastically reduced the density of the meadows, threatening with its disappearance.
In Granada, although the grasslands are in a better condition than that of Malaga, they are also confronted with a Significant algae pressure R. OkamuraeWith invasive coverage of more than 30% in some quadrants. “Knowing the current state of the Oceanic Posidonia in the Mediterranean Sea is crucial to take short-medium conservation measures and therefore to be able to guarantee the survival of these populations of the Mediterranean,” says Carmen Gómez-Acebo, director of sustainability of Coca-Cola-Cola-Colola-Colola-Colola-Colola-Colola-Cola-colola-cola-colaola-colaola-cola-cola-cola-cola-cola-cola-colaiaia.
Stop algae -vasia Rugulopterix Okamurae
“Given the results of this study, The need to implement maintenance and restoration measures in those most degraded grasslands and to avoid, As far as possible, those actions that can change and break down their status. That is why we want to contribute from circular seas to the protection and preservation of the marine biodiversity of our coasts, “he adds.
“The Posidonia It is synonymous with Mediterranean Sea, it is his ‘immersed forest’, the largest stronghold and the sign of environmental quality. A Mediterranean would not be understood without Posidonias, And now these forests are lost, especially in the Alborán Sea, the western end, “says Juan Antonio López, president and scientific director of the Mediterranean Sea Aula Foundation.
In his opinion: “People are the main causes, but we can also be their most important hope of recovery. We want to appreciate Posidonia and propose security and restoration measures. We are still on time. “
The Posidonia Oceanica It is a protected species both internationally and European and national, which grows in the Mediterranean Sea. Although it is a species that is categorized as a small care for the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the population is finished in different parts of the Spanish coast.
Working and actions for his preservation and growth
In addition to the aforementioned pilot project of Replanting, for which the authorization of the Junta de Andalucía, the Famm, has already been received, under the group “Aradarian Mijas”, which belongs to “The Marine and Coastal Protection Network”, implements volunteer actions, implements, Training and consciousness of Postidonia -Ecosystems on the coast of Mijas.
Similarly, the Famm and Circular Seas are planning to continue before 2025 with the work collection work of the Prairies. All year round Eleven dives are planned, three more than last year (six in Malaga, three in Almería and two in Granada).
Another of the actions that will be delivered in 2025 is the expansion of the aquariums in the classroom of the Blue Economics that the FAMM has in the Social Innovation Center of the Diputación de Málaga, the Noria (Málaga), to They can cultivate a larger amount of Posidonia cuttings that can be used in replanting.
The program will also influence the awareness of the population about the problem. Specifically, In Malaga and Almería, the celebration of environmental training sessions is aimed at biodiversity and Posidonia, Teaching at schools of the coast of Malaga near the study area. An educational guide about immersed forests will also be published. Ecoticia.com