[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [CULTURE]

2 clusters · 5 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Mediterranean Sea marine ecosystem threats

Overview

The Mediterranean Sea ecosystem relies heavily on marine plants, particularly seagrasses like Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa. These species form underwater meadows that provide oxygen, stabilize sediments, protect coasts from erosion, and serve as vital habitats for various marine life while contributing to blue carbon sequestration.

However, these ecosystems are facing significant ecological pressure from invasive species. The pearl oyster Pinctada radiata, originally from the Red Sea, has expanded across the western basin, including Spanish coasts. Additionally, invasive macroalgae such as Caulerpa cylindraceai and Lophocladia trichoclados are hindering the natural regeneration of Posidonia oceanica meadows. Research indicates these algae cause seedlings to develop less biomass and fewer leaves, a vulnerability that is not mitigated by increased CO2 concentrations.

Entities

Posidonia Oceanica · Mediterranean Sea · Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal · Institut Mediterrani d’Estudis Avançats · Cymodocea nodosa

Timeline

  1. 9 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Invasive species threaten Mediterranean marine biodiversity

    Invasive species, including the Pinctada radiata oyster and various macroalgae, are threatening Mediterranean biodiversity and hindering the regeneration of vital Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows.

  2. 14 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Marine plants sustain Mediterranean Sea ecosystems

    Marine plants like Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa are vital to the Mediterranean Sea, providing oxygen, coastal protection, and essential habitats for diverse marine life.

Sources

buenasnoticias.es · chimicamo.org · ecoticias.com · foravila.net · ilmeteo.net