The planet's blue lung
is on the verge of suffocation
Why should I WORRY?
Without the plant organisms and phytoplankton in the seas and oceans THAT PRODUCE 50-75% OF OUR OXYGEN AND CAPTURE 30% OF THE CO2 EMITTED we would not be able to breathe and survive on the planet
The posidonia meadows play this role in the mediterranean
THEY ARE EXCELLENT FISH HABITATS
providing protection, food and a nursery for juveniles
THEY STABILISE THE SEABED AND PREVENT COASTAL EROSION
By acting as a buffer against the waves and helping to anchor the sediment
What is CAUSING IT?
POLLUTION
The greatest threat comes from land-based sources related to anthropogenic activity (nitrate and phosphate-based fertilisers, etc.)
INCREASE IN YACHTING
Sea grass grows very slowly (1 to 5 cm per year). The damage caused by a boat dropping anchor takes decades to restore.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Rising temperatures, acidity and sea levels - as well as biological invasions - increase the seagrass mortality rate.
URBANISATION OF THE COASTLINE
Posidonia is threatened by coastal developments and urbanisation (land reclaimed from the sea which destroys the meadows).