The Neptune seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) is a plant that forms submarine forests, behaving as such. It is the most important underwater habitat regarding the biodiversity it hosts and, because of its capacity to fix CO₂, it plays a key role as a climate change regulator.

Neptune grass is a protected species, both at national and international level, and is catalogued as an habitat of priority interest by the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC). However, this species is sometimes impacted by large pieces of debris found on the coast, such as concrete mooring blocks or other elements used for anchoring boats or for marking out bathing areas.

Supported by Bonpreu i Esclat and Worldcoo, through its Solidarity Rounding campaign, SUBMON began monitoring the state of the Neptune grass in Cala Montgó on 5th of September, with the collaboration of the Torroella de Montgrí City Council. On subsequent days, monitoring was carried out in the coves of Roses, with the collaboration of the Roses City Council, the Port of Roses and the Cap de Creus Natural Park.

In both cases, dives have been completed in the mooring fields to collect data, which are currently being processed to delimit which concrete mooring blocks should be removed and which should not (since their removal could cause a greater impact on the seagrass meadows, as they are highly integrated in them).

Solidarity Rounding campaign to preserve the Mediterranean submarine forests

The Solidarity Rounding campaign promoted by Bonpreu i Esclat and Worldcoo, which was held throughout during the month of June, supports SUBMON Underwater Forests project to:

* Preserve the Neptune seagrass beds of the Mediterranean Sea.
* Ensure the capability of the Neptune grass to generate oxygen and to fix and hold CO2.
* Secure the conservation of the species inhabiting in the seagrass beds.

Since 2008, SUBMON has been carrying out projects to improve marine conservation and to promote a change in the relationship of society with the sea. The Submarine Forests program contributes to build a more sustainable marine future.