Sea Weed “Posidonia Oceanica” – A sign of healthy sea

Did you know that:

1. The sea weeds we find at the sea bed all around Cyprus is scientifically known as Posidonia oceanica. In Greek, the scientists simply call it “Posidonia”.

2. They belong to the family of angiosperm. This means … they are not actually weed!!! This however, is a matter for the biologists.

3. The sea weed, or more accurately, “Posidonia” grow at 4 – 25 metres depth. These are the ideal conditions for growing.

4. Posidonia is not just another plant. They grow in groups, called ‘meadows. The Posidonia meadows, as are scientifically known.

5. The Posidonia meadows are a source of nutrition for the fish and other sea organisms as well as the sea turtles. These are their biotopes. If they are destroyed, these marine species will also be endangered since they will lose their source of nutrition.

6. The Posidonia meadows are protected by the Barcelona Convention which Cyprus has rattified. The Barcelona Convention protects the endangered marine species. Posidonia oceanica is one of them.

7. Posidonia can only grow in a clean sea. Wherever there is pollution, Posidonia is destroyed. This leads to the conclusion that the existence of Posidonia is an indicator of clean sea. You may enjoy swimming without any fear.

8. The sea weeds we find on the beach, are the dead leaves of Posidonia, which renews its leaves just like deciduous plants. So the dead leaves are carried away by the waves and end up ashore. They are harmless. The waves will carry them again into the sea. It is also a fact that these piles of leaves can sometimes function as a protection for the beach against erosion from the waves.

For the reasons mentioned above we love sea weed and we protect them. They are a sign of a healthy sea.