A Living Map to Protect Posidonia Seagrass

Mapping seagrass meadows to support their management and conservation

What does it consist of?

The creation of an underwater atlas detailing the whereabouts of Posidonia oceanica has helped to improve control over mooring and to provide digital tools for locating it. The plan has involved updates to existing information, the completion of unmapped areas and the launch of a publicly available app.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Underwater Atlas. Cartography of the Balearic Islands Posidonia Oceanica
LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Entity that executes the project
Conselleria de Medi Ambient i Territori
Project code
ITS2017-069
Total project amount
774.821 €
ITS granted amount
774.821 €
Executed amount
750.153 €
Call year
2017
Budget implementation status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 96.82%
Last updated
08.08.2021

The project

Posidonia oceanica is a key part of the underwater landscape in the Balearic Islands, but its vulnerability in the face of mooring and other human activities requires specific conservation measures. It’s essential to know its exact location in order to manage it properly. Therefore, from 2017 to 2019, a plan was devised to complete and verify the mapping of this species along the entire Balearic coast.

The initiative was based on a clear assessment: many areas lacked reliable, up-to-date data. The work involved remote sensing and field sampling techniques to complete mapping and verify the accuracy of existing maps. A publicly accessible digital app was also developed so that all boaters can check whether they’re in a permitted or restricted mooring area.

The plan has also provided a key tool for applying posidonia protection regulations in the form of an app, the first of its kind in the Mediterranean. The app not only guides boats but also functions as an outreach tool: it explains the ecological importance of seagrass meadows and encourages best practices.

This action has improved the manageability of the Balearic marine environment. Although the financial value of the plan was around €775,000, its impact goes beyond that: it supports the conservation of an ecosystem that is essential for biodiversity and for the quality of a coastline enjoyed by both residents and tourists.