Seagrass meadows, Greece Case Study

Case Study Components

Assessment
Planning and Design
Implementation
Monitoring and Evaluation
Sharing and Communication

Introduction to the Site

Location: 37. 1451 N, 25.2262 E

Observed ecosystem changes

Degradation of Posidonia oceanica meadows due to uncontrolled recreational boat anchoring

CLIMAREST Objectives

Accelerate the recovery of the impacted seagrass meadows and assess optimal workflow techniques for effective restoration actions

Features of Agios Ioannis Detis Bay

Functions as a natural harbor due to its physiogeographical characteristics

Strong northerly winds, especially during the summer months 

The bay consists of fragmented P. oceanica meadows and areas of dead matte remnants

Map indicating the location of Agios Ioannis Detis Bay, the location of the replication site. 

Driving Factors and Motivations

In the absence of effective anchoring management measures, the high volume of recreational vessels during peak tourist season has resulted in limited and degraded seagrass presence.

Despite this pressure, existing meadows show promising signs of natural recovery and areas of dead matte provide suitable substrate for transplantation efforts.

Aims of restoration efforts
  • promote natural recovery
  • find optimal timelines and workflows for effective restoration actions
Photo of the demonstration site
Photo of the demonstration site
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Assessment Phase

Elements for Site Selection

Previous surveys showing presence of fragmented meadows and dead matte remnants

Meadows showing promising signs of natural recovery

Suitable substrate for transplantation efforts

GREECE_ReplSite_Location_new
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Planning and Design Phase

Primary Objective: Contribute to regenerating an area where P. oceanica meadows have been lost due to anthropogenic pressures

Greece Permits

As a public research institute, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research can conduct pilot studies without additional permits

Restoration activities usually evaluated on a case by case basis in Greece with no standard permitting procress

    • May need to consult with administrative bodies such as the General Directorate of Forests and the Forest Environment

Relevant EU Permits

EU Nature Restoration Law

  • Sets legally binding targets for restoration of degraded ecosystems
  • Member States are required to restore at least 20% of EU land and sea areas by 2030

Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)

  • Includes Posidonia oceanica
  • Requires strict protection and conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites

Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC)

  • Mandates achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) of marine waters 
  • Seagrass meadows serve as a key indicator of ecological quality

Developing Project Protocols

<em> Protocols developed during the replication project
Protocols developed during the replication project
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Implementation Phase

Implementation Process

Utilise habitat mapping and site assessment to identify optimal transplantation areas

  • Qualities to look for
    • Suitable dead matte substrate
    • Favorable environmental conditions

Collect P.oceanica from a healthy donor meadow

Conduct pilot trials to test and refine methodologies

  • Attachment techniques tested 
    • Coconut mats
    • Metal staples
  • Planting configurations tested
    • Different shoot densities 

Tag plots for monitoring

  • Utilised photomosaic techniques for precise tracking

Complete final-scale implementation with positive results from pilot studies

Monitoring and Data Collection Process

Ecological indicators measured

Shoot counts

Growth of transplanted cuttings

Cuttings' survival rates

Demography

Typology

Associated biodiversity indicators

Figure showing the monitoring timeline for seagrass at the Greece replication site
Figure showing the monitoring timeline for seagrass at the Greece replication site
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Ongoing Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation Phase

Initial results from the replication site

Monitoring at this replication site is ongoing

  • For more information on future results, please reach out to Vasilis Gerakaris at vgerakaris@hcmr.gr 

Major issues and problems encountered

Weather conditions, particularly strong wind
Weather conditions, particularly strong winds, can substantially delay fieldwork and limit safe diving operations
Complexity of transplantation
Requires experienced divers with specialized knowledge of P. oceanica handling techniques to ensure cuttings are collected and transplanted without damage
Long-term protection of restored areas
Critical challenge of securing protection of restored areas from uncontrolled recreational boat anchoring
Balancing interests and goals
Balancing stakeholder interests and restoration goals
Establishing effective enforcement
Need to establish effective enforcement mechanisms to prevent future anchoring damage.

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Sharing and Communication

Before
Click on the diagram above to learn more about who was engaged throughout the restoration project!
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For a more detailed PDF of the Greece Case Study, click here!

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