“Seagrasses support commercial fisheries and biodiversity, clean the surrounding water and help take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Because of these benefits, seagrasses are believed to be the third most valuable ecosystem in the world.”
—Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Ocean Life
Seagrass Meadows
(Posidonia Oceanica)
They are faster and even more efficient at sequestering carbon than rainforests? This helps to mitigate the affects of climate change.
But our seas are in danger! The Posidonia Seagrass beds may take up to 100 years to regenerate if damaged.
One of our goals is to propose conservation methods in the protection of Mediterranean Posidonia seagrass.
Through our fundraising efforts in 2024, we successfully accomplished our first goal and invited the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation to conduct a research expedition in Lemnos. Through the November 2024 Expedition, initial findings discovered that Lemnos maintains the largest seagrass meadows in the Aegean with excellent sea temperatures for marine ecosystem health.
We are investigating new ways to create seagrass ecotourism projects for the public.
Finally, a prototype of the LMC program will be developed, proposed and implemented with outreach and fundraising in the U.S. and throughout Greece and the E.U.
A physical and digital recurring publication will be developed to showcase research data and findings from our LMC affiliated research and scientist partners. Ongoing work will be published periodically.
What is the significance of Posidonia Meadows?
Biodiversity
Posidonia Meadows are home to a wide variety of marine species, from fish and crustaceans to invertebrates and plants, providing shelter and food.
Oxygen Production
Posidonia plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, improving seawater quality. They are the lungs of the Mediterranean producing beneficial oxygen. All marine vegetation produces 70% of the earth’s oxygen!
Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide
Posidonia sequesters large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change.
Coastline Protection
Grasslands absorb wave energy, reducing coastal erosion and protecting beaches.
Fisheries Support
Posidonia Meadows are important to fisheries as they provide refuge and spawning grounds for many commercially important species.
Water Quality
Seagrass improves water quality and clarity by absorbing pollutants.