engleski

Threats to seagrass Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Adriatic Sea

The seagrass Posidonia oceanica meadows are in biological and economical sense the most valuable ecosystem of the Adriatic Sea. Negative influence of human activities has large impact on evolution and survival of this sensitive community causing a significant decline in most area of the Adriatic Sea. By signing numerous international conventions (Barcelona 1976/1995, Bern 1979, Rio 1992, etc.) coastal countries took obligation to conserve and protect marine vegetation especially marine phanerogams. The most endangered species of these is the Mediterranean endem P. oceanica. The most detrimental impact on these settlements is induced by industrial and urban sewage discharges, fish farming, trawl fishing and boat anchoring. Lately, the reason for additional concern is expansion of two invasive tropical algae species such as Caulerpa taxifolia and C. racemosa. This paper deals with findings from two projects "Mapping of Posidonia meadows in Croatian part of Adriatic Sea" and "Preservation of biodiversity in Adriatic Sea", where drastic negative changes have been noted among seagrass communities. The results of benthic biocoenoses survey in the area of Drvenik, Kluda, Fulija and Kudica islands, which are under the influence of tuna farms, will be presented. We will try to point out that near-shore intensive tuna farming can disastrously influence the marine biodiversity.

Posidonia oceanica; mapping; Adriatic Sea

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