LITERATURE REVIEW
Oran, Ain
Temouchent
photosynthesis, altering
physiological processes,
and damaging structural
integrity, leading to the
regression of seagrass
meadows.
1.6. Sensitivity of Posidonia oceanica meadows to anthropogenic pressures
Posidonia oceanica meadows are highly sensitive to anthropogenic pressures that can
lead to physiological stress, structural alterations, and even seagrass loss, impacting the
biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of these valuable marine habitats (Christine PergentMartini et al., 2005b; Boudouresque et al., 2006; Bidak et al., 2021; Cantasano, 2023).
Monitoring studies have shown that anthropogenic disturbances can stress the meadows,
highlighting the importance of P. oceanica as a biological indicator of human activities at a
local scale. Overall, understanding and mitigating anthropogenic pressures are crucial for the
conservation and sustainability of P. oceanica meadows. Across multiple sectors of the
Mediterranean coast, P. oceanica meadows are impacted by diverse human activities:
• Coastal construction projects, including ports, artificial beaches, and groynes, threaten
seagrass habitats and result in direct burial, increasing turbidity, decreasing light
availability, upstream sedimentation, and downstream erosion, leading to the destruction
and alteration of seagrass meadows (Ruiz and Romero, 2003; Montefalcone et al.,
2007; Holon et al., 2015).
• Sewage and industrial/urban pollution, particularly near urban areas and sewage
networks (Duarte, 2002), pose significant threats to marine environments.
• The discharge of brine during desalination operations, elevates seawater salinity and
disruption of habitats and ecosystems in the discharge zone (Sandoval-Gil et al., 2010)
• Unregulated boating activities, particularly anchoring, have caused significant damage
to seagrass meadows in bays with heavy shipping traffic (Okudan et al., 2011). The
anchor type including factors like weight and design, plays critical roles in the extent of
damage to Posidonia oceanica (Milazzo et al., 2004).
• Trawling is likely the most severe and concerning factor contributing to the regression
of P. oceanica (Boudouresque et al., 2009), and it stands out as a primary contributor
Oran, Ain
Temouchent
photosynthesis, altering
physiological processes,
and damaging structural
integrity, leading to the
regression of seagrass
meadows.
1.6. Sensitivity of Posidonia oceanica meadows to anthropogenic pressures
Posidonia oceanica meadows are highly sensitive to anthropogenic pressures that can
lead to physiological stress, structural alterations, and even seagrass loss, impacting the
biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of these valuable marine habitats (Christine PergentMartini et al., 2005b; Boudouresque et al., 2006; Bidak et al., 2021; Cantasano, 2023).
Monitoring studies have shown that anthropogenic disturbances can stress the meadows,
highlighting the importance of P. oceanica as a biological indicator of human activities at a
local scale. Overall, understanding and mitigating anthropogenic pressures are crucial for the
conservation and sustainability of P. oceanica meadows. Across multiple sectors of the
Mediterranean coast, P. oceanica meadows are impacted by diverse human activities:
• Coastal construction projects, including ports, artificial beaches, and groynes, threaten
seagrass habitats and result in direct burial, increasing turbidity, decreasing light
availability, upstream sedimentation, and downstream erosion, leading to the destruction
and alteration of seagrass meadows (Ruiz and Romero, 2003; Montefalcone et al.,
2007; Holon et al., 2015).
• Sewage and industrial/urban pollution, particularly near urban areas and sewage
networks (Duarte, 2002), pose significant threats to marine environments.
• The discharge of brine during desalination operations, elevates seawater salinity and
disruption of habitats and ecosystems in the discharge zone (Sandoval-Gil et al., 2010)
• Unregulated boating activities, particularly anchoring, have caused significant damage
to seagrass meadows in bays with heavy shipping traffic (Okudan et al., 2011). The
anchor type including factors like weight and design, plays critical roles in the extent of
damage to Posidonia oceanica (Milazzo et al., 2004).
• Trawling is likely the most severe and concerning factor contributing to the regression
of P. oceanica (Boudouresque et al., 2009), and it stands out as a primary contributor