Why is Posidonia important?
The Posidonia is a seagrass species of algae that is a fundamental part of the marine ecosystem, common in Mediterranean Sea, especially in the Ligurian seas.
The plant is a key element in the preservation of the Mediterranean ecosystems, as it balances and regulates CO2 absorption and emission in the atmosphere.
In addition, according to the Mediterranean Advanced Research Institute (IMEDEA), Posidonia produces from 14 to 20 liters of oxygen per square meter daily.
It is estimated that Posidonia plants have declined by around 21% of all seagrass. More than 38 thousands kilometers of the Mediterranean sea are estimated to be covered by posidonia algae plants.
Approximately 10% of the carbon buried in ocean sediments is absorbed by these seagrass plants annually.
In recent years Posidonia plants have declined, due to the many human activities, however it is still unclear whether this regards a global phenomena or if the event happened at a local scale.
Around 29 of these areas can be found in the Ligurian sea and are being protected by the government in Liguria.
