The Underwater Forest of Posidonia oceanica: Recent Developments

Laura Recuero Virto (), Isabelle Perret and Pierre Scemama ()
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Laura Recuero Virto: ICN Business School, CEREFIGE - Centre Européen de Recherche en Economie Financière et Gestion des Entreprises - UL - Université de Lorraine
Isabelle Perret: Ministère chargé de la Mer et de la Pêche
Pierre Scemama: IFREMER - Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer, AMURE - Aménagement des Usages des Ressources et des Espaces marins et littoraux - Centre de droit et d'économie de la mer - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - IFREMER - Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer - UBO - Université de Brest - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IUEM - Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - INSU - CNRS - Institut national des sciences de l'Univers - UBO - Université de Brest - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

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Abstract: In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the conservation of Posidonia oceanica, a vital Mediterranean seagrass species. This policy brief presents a review of the most recent scientific knowledge, along with ongoing efforts to protect and restore its meadows - primarily illustrated through research and experimental work carried out in France. P. oceanica meadows, often called the "underwater forests", form dense, leafy habitats that support rich marine biodiversity. Like their terrestrial counterparts, they provide shelter and food for numerous species, stabilise coastlines, and sequester significant amounts of carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Slow-growing and long-lived some clonal meadows are thousands of years-old, they are also highly vulnerable to human pressures such as anchoring, pollution, and coastal development. Protective measures include anchoring bans, eco-mooring systems, and marine protected area zoning, though enforcement remains uneven across regions. Innovative financing mechanisms, including blue carbon credit schemes, are emerging to support long-term conservation and sustainable local livelihoods.

Keywords: Mediterranean seagrass; Eco-mooring; Blue carbon Coastal resilience Ecosystem services Climate mitigation Sustainable development; Restoration Plan; Climate change mitigation; Posidonia oceanica banquette; Posidonia meadows; Posidonia oceanica (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-09-30
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-env
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Published in 2025, pp.12

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