Effect of the aquaculture on the seagrass Posidonia oceanica: a decade before and after in the Aegean Sea

Abstract

Seagrass Posidonia oceanica is an endemic and a keystone marine plant in the Mediterranean Sea. It has been a decline in the distribution of P. oceanica meadows by several anthropogenic pressures (i.e. pollution, marine transportation, intensive coastal use, overfishing by ground scanning methods, anchors, aquaculture activities, alien and invasive species, overgrazing, tourist activities). The aim of this study, to evaluate impact of a fish farm in a island (Kızkulesi Island, Dikili, İzmir) on the seagrass Posidonia oceanica meadow from the Aegean coasts of Türkiye. Sampling was made in 2014 September and 2023 October between 0 and 30 m depth by scuba diving. P. oceanica meadow has been completely lost in a decade in the research site.