Background
Over one thousand macroscopic marine species of flora have been observed in the Mediterranean, from which, 20% are endemic. These species provide shelter, food and oxygen to other marine organisms. They play then a primordial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Pollution, habitats destruction, eutrophication are the main threats causing the decline of marine vegetation. The consequences are ecological and of economic in nature, with impacts on primary production, spawning grounds, nurseries, coasts stability.
The Action Plan for the conservation of marine vegetation in the Mediterranean Sea was adopted by the Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention in 1999.
Objectives
The main objectives of the Action Plan for the conservation of marine vegetation in the Mediterranean Sea are to:
- ensure the conservation of macroscopic marine vegetation species and vegetal assemblages in the Mediterranean by implementing management and legal protection measures;
- avoid loss and degradation of the seagrass meadows, and of other vegetal assemblages of importance for the marine environment;
- ensure the conservation of marine vegetal assemblages that could be considered as natural monuments.
Recommendations
The Action Plan has defined the following priorities: At national level:
- to set the inventory of species, determine and map their distribution;
- to establish marine protected areas;
- to reinforce the protection of the Posidonia barrier reefs and organogenic surface formations and certain Cystoseira belts;
- to elaborate and implement appropriate legislations;
- to establish marine vegetation monitoring networks;
- to control the impact made by watershed infrastructures on the marine environment.
At regional level:
- to strengthen cooperation and exchange of experiences;
- to strengthen cooperation and exchange of experiences;
- to promote and support the setting up of national marine vegetation monitoring networks;
- to promote the creation of protected areas to conserve Posidonia meadows and other vegetal assemblages of importance for the marine environment.
Updates
Le plan d'action a été mis à jour en 2012.
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