Competition 2019
Competition rules 2019
Winning project
Project “Impacts of Emerging Pollutants on Posidonia in Formentera”, or “ImPeFora”
The main objectives of “Impacts of Emerging Pollutants on Posidonia in Formentera”, or “ImPeFora”, are to quantify and study the effects of emerging pollutants like microplastics (MPs) and ultraviolet filter (UVF) components accumulating near Formentera’s coastline in the water column, in sediments in Posidonia oceanica meadows, and in the plant itself. According to our findings:
- Zinc (Zn) is more concentrated than titanium (Ti) in the canopy waters of P. oceanica meadows, while Ti is more prevalent in rhizosphere sediments – an indication of differential distribution.- UVFs such as octocrylene, avobenzone, and BP-3 can harm P. oceanica, thinning it out, changing the shape and structure of leaves, and provoking stress-induced oxidation.
- High levels of UVFs near maritime traffic and sewage pipes can affect seagrass meadow conservation.
- Our experiments with on-site benthic chambers indicate that TiO2 and BP-3 promote production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in P. oceanica leaves and can negatively affect the plant’s storage of energy through photosynthesis.
- Epiphytes work like MP traps. MPs are distributed evenly across the Formentera coast and can affect plant health, with more MPs spelling lower rates of photosynthesis.
- Our experiments with on-site benthic chambers indicate that high levels of fluoranthene (an additive in MPs) and polyethylene can adversely affect how P. oceanica carries out photosynthesis, breathes and produces ROS.
- Pollution involving UVFs and MPs threatens seagrass habitats. Preserving these requires urgent action.
Competition 2017
In its first year, the Save Posidonia Project honoured project proposals from the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA) and environmental group GEN-GOB, with each receiving proceeds from funds raised. The 16 members of the technical committee selected ‘Antroposi’ – IMEDEA’s proposed work to determine how human activities directly affect posidonia meadows. The study is projected to run 18 months and has a budget of €83,822.
For its part, GEN-GOB presented an environmental diagnostic study of all anchorage areas on the Formentera coastline, which aims to geolocate points where impact from anchoring is most acute, develop use maps for such areas, and determine the environmental health of the posidonia meadows affected by anchoring watercraft.
Studies realized in the oceanic Posidonia in Fomentera
Photography: Consell Insular de Formentera. High density of boats in Illetas August 2015.
Photography: Manu San Félix
Another important action of the project LIFE-POSIDONIA was to prepare a detailed cartography of Posidonia's meadows of all the areas. This tool on line allows him to know where the meadows are to help the navigators. It is a tool that needs an update since the technology has been antiquated.
Cartography elaborated by the SITIBSA, Government of the Balearic Islands (2012).
Oceansnell's study revealed that Posidonia's meadows had suffered a regression between the year 2008 and 2012 of:
This information is the only information till now that allow to know the aggression of our meadows. It is clear that the innovation and the studies are necessary to implement protection measures before it is too much late. The sustainability of Formentera and his future depends on it.
Photography: IMEDEA