Posidonia reforestation in Gaiola Marine Protected Area

Positive impact generated

Context

In the Marine Protected Area Gaiola Underwater Park, the original Posidonia oceanica meadow has been heavily degraded. The Posifarm project focuses on restoring this vital marine plant through scientific research, new plantings, and citizen science.

Posidonia oceanica, often mistaken for seaweed, is actually a true marine plant with roots and stems that forms vast underwater meadows essential for marine life. These seagrass meadows host up to 25% of Mediterranean species, produce oxygen, and sequester CO₂, playing a crucial role in preventing coastal erosion and supporting overall ecosystem health. However, they are increasingly threatened by trawling, uncontrolled anchoring, and pollution, leading to widespread decline. Through the Posifarm project, the Gaiola Underwater Park and the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station collect “sea olives” (seeds), cultivate them in tanks until they grow into seedlings, and then replant them on the seabed.

Gallery

Blue Economy Posidonia Oceanica Italia Gaiola 1 3x

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Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

The Posifarm project is promoted by the Gaiola Underwater Park and the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, with the support of Interdisciplinary Studies Centre (CSI) Gaiola Onlus. The initiative also engages the public, inviting them to collect “sea olives” (seeds) as a form of citizen science. On the scientific side, it collaborates with institutions such as the ISSD (International School for Scientific Diving), the Campi Flegrei Diving Centre, and local universities to restore cuttings and monitor seagrass meadows.The project enhances marine biodiversity and creates a strong, visible narrative of participatory marine restoration.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The project aims to restore the Posidonia oceanica meadow in Gaiola Underwater Park with a participatory and scientific approach, driving marine restoration and promoting environmental awareness.

The main goal of the Posifarm project is to regenerate Posidonia oceanica in the Gulf of Naples, restoring essential underwater habitats for many species. The initiative also aims to involve the community through the collection of “sea olives,” highlighting citizen science as an educational tool. By combining scientific research, laboratory techniques, and ecotourism, the project enhances the value of Posidonia oceanica, restores balance to marine life, and raises awareness of the importance of marine restoration in Italy.

Thanks to the collection of “sea olives,” carried out also through citizen science, the seeds of Posidonia oceanica are selected, cataloged, and germinated in the laboratory. The experiment uses tanks with beds of rock wool or gravel substrates, the latter being simpler but more delicate during the transplanting phase in the sea. The young seedlings are then transferred to designated underwater fields, where their adaptability and genetic variability can be monitored. For the planting phase, two techniques are applied: wooden stakes that anchor the cuttings to the seabed, and coconut fiber mats covered with wire mesh, which ensure greater protection and successful rooting.