INTRODUCTION
Introduction
The Mediterranean Sea, a semi-enclosed body of water that connects three continents, is
known for its rich biodiversity, making it a critical hotspot for conservation efforts
(Boudouresque et al., 2009). One of the main contributors to this exceptional marine diversity
is the presence of Posidonia oceanica, a unique seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean
(Telesca et al., 2015).
Seagrasses are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and, specifically, to human
impacts, to the point that a worldwide decline seems to be taking place (Short and WyllieEcheverria, 1996). Coastal development, pollution, overfishing, and climate change are
exerting substantial pressure on the Mediterranean Sea and its fragile Posidonia oceanica
meadows ( Montefalcone et al., 2008; Marbà et al., 2014). Urbanization has led to habitat loss
and degradation due to increased sedimentation, turbidity, and nutrient input (Duarte, 2002).
Agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and industrial effluents introduce harmful contaminants
that adversely impact seagrass health (Pergent-Martini et al., 2005). Overfishing disturbs food
web dynamics, indirectly affecting these meadows (Jackson et al., 2001). The repercussions
extend beyond just the Posidonia oceanica meadows, threatening the entire Mediterranean
marine ecosystem. Loss of these key meadows can trigger cascading impacts like biodiversity
loss, food web disruptions, and loss of ecosystem services (Coll et al., 2010). As the
Mediterranean regulates regional climate patterns and supports coastal economies, preserving
its biodiversity is of global significance (Claudet et al., 2020).
Assessing the health and extent of Posidonia oceanica meadows is vital for the
conservation and management of the Mediterranean marine environment, using standard
methods for in situ and laboratory measurements, which allow a detailed examination of various
parameters and biotic indices. In situ assessments enable the monitoring of key parameters such
as shoot density, the lower limit depth, and the presence of associated fauna, which serve as
indicators of meadow health and environmental quality (Pergent-Martini et al., 2005).
Complementing field studies, laboratory analyses of collected samples (leaf biometry, epiphyte
load, …) can further elucidate the physiological and biochemical status of Posidonia oceanica
meadows. Moreover, the use of biotic indices like the Posidonia oceanica Multivariate Index
(POMI), the Posidonia Rapid Easy Index (PREI), and the Biotic Indices for Posidonia oceanica
(BIPO) that integrate multiple descriptors, provides comprehensive assessments of seagrass
ecosystem conditions (Gobert et al., 2006; Lopez Y Royo et al., 2010).
Introduction
The Mediterranean Sea, a semi-enclosed body of water that connects three continents, is
known for its rich biodiversity, making it a critical hotspot for conservation efforts
(Boudouresque et al., 2009). One of the main contributors to this exceptional marine diversity
is the presence of Posidonia oceanica, a unique seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean
(Telesca et al., 2015).
Seagrasses are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and, specifically, to human
impacts, to the point that a worldwide decline seems to be taking place (Short and WyllieEcheverria, 1996). Coastal development, pollution, overfishing, and climate change are
exerting substantial pressure on the Mediterranean Sea and its fragile Posidonia oceanica
meadows ( Montefalcone et al., 2008; Marbà et al., 2014). Urbanization has led to habitat loss
and degradation due to increased sedimentation, turbidity, and nutrient input (Duarte, 2002).
Agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and industrial effluents introduce harmful contaminants
that adversely impact seagrass health (Pergent-Martini et al., 2005). Overfishing disturbs food
web dynamics, indirectly affecting these meadows (Jackson et al., 2001). The repercussions
extend beyond just the Posidonia oceanica meadows, threatening the entire Mediterranean
marine ecosystem. Loss of these key meadows can trigger cascading impacts like biodiversity
loss, food web disruptions, and loss of ecosystem services (Coll et al., 2010). As the
Mediterranean regulates regional climate patterns and supports coastal economies, preserving
its biodiversity is of global significance (Claudet et al., 2020).
Assessing the health and extent of Posidonia oceanica meadows is vital for the
conservation and management of the Mediterranean marine environment, using standard
methods for in situ and laboratory measurements, which allow a detailed examination of various
parameters and biotic indices. In situ assessments enable the monitoring of key parameters such
as shoot density, the lower limit depth, and the presence of associated fauna, which serve as
indicators of meadow health and environmental quality (Pergent-Martini et al., 2005).
Complementing field studies, laboratory analyses of collected samples (leaf biometry, epiphyte
load, …) can further elucidate the physiological and biochemical status of Posidonia oceanica
meadows. Moreover, the use of biotic indices like the Posidonia oceanica Multivariate Index
(POMI), the Posidonia Rapid Easy Index (PREI), and the Biotic Indices for Posidonia oceanica
(BIPO) that integrate multiple descriptors, provides comprehensive assessments of seagrass
ecosystem conditions (Gobert et al., 2006; Lopez Y Royo et al., 2010).