Posidonia reforestation at Portofino MPA

Context

A project to restore Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Portofino MPA

Posidonia oceanica is a marine plant endemic to the Mediterranean. It forms extensive prairies and is one of the most important marine ecosystems, due to the multiple functions it performs: oxygen production, habitat for numerous species, coastal protection, wave mitigation and carbon dioxide absorption. In recent decades, there has been a severe degradation of its population, due to multiple human activities that have negatively impacted its balance. The Posidonia regeneration project at the Portofino Marine Protected Area Punta Pedale aims to support the natural restoration process by planting Posidonia cuttings within an area of 100m2.

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Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

Posidonia is a strong species but its growth is very slow. Intervening with manual restoration measures means to help and to support this natural process, accelerating the identified project site rehabilitation. Posidonia seedling cuttings are taken from settling areas in which they accumulate with the movement of the sea; once collected, the seedlings are put in water and prepared for the planting phase. Preparation includes the removal of dead roots and separation of seedlings. Coconut bio-mats, to which the seedlings will be anchored, are places on the identified area seabed, preferably to a depth that allows light to penetrate and protection from wave motion, between 5 and 15 meters. The first year is the most delicate. In 4-5 years, biologists will be able to determine whether the graft was successful or not.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The objective of this project is to restore degraded Posidonia oceanica meadows by supporting the natural process with the planting of Posidonia seedlings

Posidonia oceanica meadows host over 350 different species, offering them shelter, food, and nursery grounds among the leaves. The inhabitants include crustaceans, crabs, worms, bryozoans, octopuses, nudibranchs, holothurians, tunicates, jellyfish, sea anemones, and starfish. Common fish species in these meadows are goatfish, seabream, damselfish, gobies, scorpionfish, greater pipefish, and seahorses, including juveniles. Additionally, rare and endangered species, such as the Mediterranean endemic bivalve Pinna nobilis, can be found in these meadows.

Sustainable Development Goals

Supporting this project you’re contributing to the following SDGs:

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