New report on Posidonia meadows in the Ionian Sea stresses the need for urgent decision-making towards their preservation

Posidonia oceanica is one of our most crucial allies in Climate Crisis mitigation and essential component for safeguarding marine life in the Mediterranean. However, less 46% of its extent in the Ionian will be finally protected, a new report reveals.

Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Eastern Ionian Sea extend in an approximate area of 440 km2, being susceptible to a variety of pressures. Uncontrolled anchorage was considered the most intensive pressure on the Posidonia meadows, followed by aquaculture and sewage discharges, while other 29 pressures, were taken into account. Based on the study, ¼ of this vital marine ecosystem is threatened by human activities in the area with almost half of the habitat’s extend (46%) being within the Natura 2000 network.

The Layman’s report ‘Prioritising Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Ionian Sea’ was produced by iSea, in collaboration with terraSolutions.mer, Ionian Environment Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation, within the framework of REPOSIDONIA project, to shed light on the gaps of knowledge regarding the threats that Posidonia face in the Ionian Sea and prioritise the meadows that are in urgent need of protection. This report is addressed to the wider public, relevant stakeholders and decision makers proposing specific actions to ensure the protection of Posidonia meadows in a local and national level.

According to the results, in several areas the habitat is still poorly documented. At the same time, boat tourism and aquaculture activities are thriving, but still their proper documentation and management measures to mitigate their environmental impact is scarce. Although the area is among the most popular Mediterranean sailing destinations, a regulatory framework on anchorage is yet to be enforced. While more than 60% of areas with fish farms overlap with Posidonia meadows extend, no matter the documented threats posed to the habitat.

The results of this preliminary work highlight the gaps of knowledge with regards to accurate and detailed mapping of the habitat and the threats it faces, but also the lack of its systematic monitoring and assessment of its Ecological Status. In addition, the report stresses the need of informing the public about its ecological value and ecosystem services, and more importantly to empower the tourism sector by advising on good practises for its preservation.

The report also provides valuable information that could be used as a decision tool to focus future efforts. Based on its results, to ensure the protection of P. oceanica meadows in the Ionian Sea, policy makers should enforce 1) specific and science-based local management measures using a precautionary approach and taking into consideration the activities that take place in the area within and outside the Natura 2000 network, 2) strategies to minimise uncontrolled anchorage by replicating successful models of Mediterranean areas, 3) legally binding management plans setting specific goals based on the results and pledges of the most recent reports, protocols and agreements on mitigating Climate Crisis and 4) legally binding action plans for the restoration of degraded meadows, based on current and future projections of change.

Marcial Bardolet, co-founder of the Mediterranean Posidonia Network mentions that “The collective efforts of communities, governments, and scientific bodies illustrate that unified and coordinated actions can have a significant positive impact. Posidonia is a shared responsibility, and this document is not just an academic study of Posidonia oceanica; it is a call for action for protecting the Ionian Sea.”

In the context of the project “Prioritising Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Ionian Sea”, iSea, in collaboration with terraSolutions m.e.r. and the support of the Ionian Environment Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation, aims to improve the data availability and quality for the distribution of Posidonia meadows in the Ionian islands and prioritise areas that require immediate intervention to enhance their conservation.

Find the final report here.

Find more information on the project in the Inner Ionian Archipelago here.