The first project focusing on marine reforestation has started in the Maltese state in recent days. It aims to support the natural restoration of Posidonia oceanica meadows in areas, surveyed last summer, that show signs of degradation, mainly due to recreational boating. The activities were led by the Italian MEDSEA Foundation’s marine unit team, in collaboration with the University of Malta. About 1,500 cuttings, exclusively from naturally uprooted plants, were selected and collected and replanted in the damaged areas, covering an area of one hectare at a depth of 6 metres off the Natura 2000 site of Qawra.
Previously, as part of the same action to protect biodiversity’ in the Mediterranean, reforestation activities also covered the “Capo Carbonara” Marine Protected Area in Sardinia, with the aim of expanding the replanting area started in previous years to cover new adjacent sites. The activities, which started last spring, are nearing completion. An additional 500 m² of degraded area will be restored, with approximately 6,000 new cuttings planted in the damaged areas.
Source: CagliariToday
