The Mediterranean Sea is home to some of the most diverse and fragile marine ecosystems, with seagrass meadows playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and combating climate change. Within the framework of the EFFECTIVE project, an innovative pilot test has been launched in Portlligat, Cadaqués (Alt Empordà) to monitor and protect these vital ecosystems.

Mar de L’Empordà: a biodiversity hotspot under threat

The Mar de L’Empordà, located in the Western Mediterranean, is a biodiversity-rich area in Spain that encompasses seven Marine Protected Areas. Governed by the Taula de Cogestió Marítima del Litoral del Baix Empordà, this region brings together stakeholders from multiple sectors to ensure the conservation of its marine resources. Its waters host a wide array of species, including red coral, gorgonians, seagrasses, sponges, noble pen shell, seahorses, and antennae gobies—each playing an essential role in the marine ecosystem.

However, Mediterranean seagrass meadows, particularly those of Posidonia oceanica, have been in decline for decades due to human activity and climate change. These underwater forests serve as carbon sinks, capturing and storing CO₂ for centuries. Their destruction not only threatens marine biodiversity but also contributes to increased carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Innovative technology for conservation

To address this urgent challenge, the Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB) from CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) and GPA Seabots, a partner in the EFFECTIVE project, have deployed aquatic robots to map the seabed of Portlligat. This initiative aims to analyze the state of Posidonia meadows, determine their carbon reserves, and develop strategies for their preservation.

These autonomous robots provide a non-invasive, efficient, and high-resolution method of studying underwater habitats. By collecting precise data on the extent and health of seagrass meadows, scientists can better understand the threats they face and implement targeted conservation actions.

Collaboration for a sustainable future

By combining scientific expertise with innovative robotic technology, the EFFECTIVE project is paving the way for more successful marine conservation strategies. The Portlligat campaign is just the beginning. As the pilot progresses, the insights gained will inform broader conservation policies and contribute to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems across the Mediterranean.