RESTORING POSIDONIA OCEANICA (L.) DELILE: PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES OF TWO TRANSPLANTING TECHNIQUES

RESTAURO DI POSIDONIA OCEANICA (L.) DELILE: RISULTATI PRELIMINARI DI DUE TECNICHE DI TRAPIANTO

Abstract

Posidonia oceanica meadows are key ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea but are increasingly threatened by human activities. Active restoration has become an important tool to enhance recovery, although the effectiveness of different transplanting techniques is still debated.
This study provides preliminary results from two transplanting methods tested on the Ligurian coast: R.E.C.S.®-Cocco biomats and metallic stakes. The short-term monitoring highlighted distinct responses between techniques and sites, underlining the crucial role of the first months after transplantation. Stakes ensured higher initial stability, while biomats, after an early decline, showed signs of recovery over time. The results point out the importance of considering local environmental conditions in restoration design. The two techniques can be regarded as two complementary tools: stakes for restoring small, degraded areas, and biomats for larger-scale restoration where conditions are more favourable. Long-term monitoring is essential to fully evaluate their effectiveness.