One of the most important things you should know if you sail through the Mediterranean Sea is that in its depths there is a species of aquatic plant called Posidonia. This blog article will explain what it is, its importance to the ecosystem, and what you should know to take precautions and avoid damaging it.

What is Posidonia?

It is an aquatic plant with long, narrow leaves, green or brown, typical of the Mediterranean, forming large underwater extensions. The kilometric extension is similar to a forest within the sea. It can often be confused with seaweed, but it is very similar to land plants, and we can find it at a depth of 1 to 40 meters since it grows in coastal areas because it needs light to carry out photosynthesis.

It has been declared a World Heritage Site, being the longest-lived oceanic species in the biosphere. Its concentration is especially high in the Balearic Islands, with some 650 square kilometers of extension, more than half of all the Posidonia meadows in Spanish territory. In addition, it gives color to the waters of the islands, giving rise to the wonderful coves and beaches with crystal clear waters.

Posidonia’s Importance

This aquatic plant has many benefits, and among the main ones is the generation of large amounts of CO₂, essential for the species that live in the sea and for us, since much of the oxygen we breathe comes from the sea. It also generates quality sand, prevents coastal erosion, and is home to a multitude of species.

For all these reasons we must be responsible and take care of Posidonia to avoid its extinction since it is very important for the ecosystem reserve.

How to take care of Posidonia

Unfortunately, Posidonia has been disappearing over time due to poor anchoring techniques carried out by boats and the multiple threats to which it is subject, therefore, these are some of the actions to avoid damaging Posidonia meadows:

• You should know that it is forbidden to drop an anchor on top of this plant since the authorities have increased marine surveillance to sanction anyone who fails to comply with the regulations.
• Do not throw garbage or waste into the sea, as pollution also helps its disappearance.
• Do not practice trawling, as it destroys the seabed and its vegetation.
• Notify the authorities if you detect a breach of these rules by other people.