As part of the service Monitoring of the target habitat type 1120 Posidonia meadows in the marine area of Mljet National Park, Sunce will carry out the fifth consecutive monitoring of the status of Posidonia oceanica meadows in this protected area. Posidonia oceanica, a seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, forms dense meadows that provide shelter and safe breeding grounds for numerous marine organisms. However, human activities—particularly anchoring—pose a serious threat to this valuable habitat and the many species it supports.
In order to preserve Posidonia oceanica, it is essential to collect data on the condition of its meadows on a regular basis. These data serve as a foundation for developing recommendations and measures aimed at preventing further degradation.
The service includes field data collection on the status of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica according to a predefined Protocol at already designated sites (four locations) within Mljet National Park, as well as in the Natura 2000 site HR3000166 Northern coast from Cape Pusta in Sobra Bay to Cape Stoba near Okuklje Bay with islands and surrounding waters, where monitoring locations need to be determined and monitoring conducted. The activities involve collecting data on seagrass density and coverage using autonomous diving equipment, processing the collected data, and preparing a report with the results. The report shall include cartographic representations, an analysis of the condition of the meadows, a comparison with the results from previous monitoring years, as well as conclusions and recommendations for the continued management and protection of this sensitive habitat.
Service client: Public Institution Mljet National Park
Service duration: April 2025. – December 2025.
Service manager: mr. sc. Matea Špika, [email protected]