Posidonia Oceanica
This summer will see further protections being put in place for the Posidonia of Ibiza and Formentera, an important endemic species found only in the Mediterranean.
The Posidonia Oceanica to give it its full name or Neptune Grass as it is commonly known is a true treasure of the sea but it suffers irreparable damage each year from recreational boats anchoring on top of it.
Due to its very slow growth and only a limited number of seeds developing each year, it is estimated that the Posidonia is disappearing at a rate of 1 – 2% per year and although it has protected status under both EU and Spanish law there has been very little actual protection for it.
This year, however, the Government will have 330,000 euros which is the largest budget in history since the creation of Ses Salines Natural Park to specifically address the funding and protection of the Posidonia fields.
The Minister for the environment Vienc Vidal has announced that the park will have 14 boats for the surveillance of the anchorages and those anchoring freely with the aim of protecting the Posidonia.
Posidonia Oceanica giving life to the Mediterranean Picture Sus Sanchez Ripoll
There will be continued discussions with the Government to ensure that the surveillance reaches beyond the park’s boundaries to cover the area of Cala Saona and the Levante area of Formentera.
This is one of the strategic objectives to deal with the possible environmental impacts of the large influx of recreational boats around the coast of the island.
To find out more about the Posidonia and its importance to Ibiza and the wider Mediterranean see our blog, Why is there seaweed on the beaches around Ibiza.
Source Noudiari.es
