Grandjean, T.J., Rijsdiik, K.F., Vonk, J.A., Miliou, A. The entrapment of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass in the Mediterranean Sea. Netherlands Annual Ecology Meeting 2019.

Abstract:

CURRENT KNOWN DISTRIBUTION

The native seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is the most important seagrass species in the Mediterranean Sea. They form structured habitats in shallow coastal waters up to 40 metres deep which provide many ecosystem services for marine organisms and humans (e.g. feeding and nursery areas, coastal protection).

VULNERABILITY FOR DISTURBANCE

P. oceanica meadows are among the most threatened coastal ecosystems worldwide with anthropogenic influences often cited as the primary cause of reduction in the extent of the meadows, Satellite mapping showed a positive correlation between anthropogenic impact and P. oceanica habitat fragmentation in the entire Mediterranean Sea (p < 0.05).