Scientific monitoring of posidonia at Larvotto

This week, AMPN conducted its annual assessment of the health of the Posidonia seagrass meadow in the Larvotto Marine Protected Area, an essential task we have been performing every summer since 2016.

Posidonia expert Dr. Heike Molenaar evaluated the density of the seagrass bundles and collected leaf samples for laboratory analysis, including measurements of length, width, weight, and more.

Why is this monitoring so important? Posidonia is a protected marine plant. It promotes rich biodiversity, stabilises the seabed, helps prevent coastal erosion, and produces oxygen.

Thanks to these regular observations, we can monitor the evolution of this fragile ecosystem and adapt our conservation efforts over the years. As a reminder, the Larvotto Marine Protected Area was established by AMPN in 1976, in response to Prince Rainier III’s wish to create a protected zone along the coastline. The Larvotto site was chosen to protect the only Posidonia seagrass meadow in the Principality.

This programme is supported by theFondation Prince Albert II de Monaco.

Photo credit : AMPN etIoana Stoicescu - Euphotica