Operation Posidonia
What is Posidonia australis?
Posidonia australis is a slow-growing, flowering seagrass that forms dense, vibrant underwater meadows along our coasts in Southern Australia. Posidonia forms an essential habitat that is a nursery for various marine species, from iconic seahorses to commercially important fish. It plays a critical role in producing oxygen, sequestering carbon, and stabilising sediments, helping to protect our shorelines from erosion.
The Problem
In eastern Australia, Posidonia meadows are found in sheltered bays, which are also preferred sites for us humans: this is where we often choose to live, work and play. Increased development, pollution and boat use in these sheltered estuaries has led to major Posidonia declines over the last few decades.
The declines of Posidonia meadows along the central coastal area of NSW (where most people live) have been so severe that six meadows are formally listed as endangered by both the Australian Commonwealth Government (EPBC Act) and the NSW government (Fisheries Management Act). There is a real risk that this species may become locally extinct from some of these estuaries within the next 15 years unless new conservation actions reverse current trends.
The Solution
Operation Posidonia was founded in 2018 with a clear mission: to conserve and restore Posidonia australis. We focus on restoring damaged seagrass meadows and advocate replacing harmful swing moorings with environmentally friendly alternatives. Our initiative brings together leading researchers from UNSW, SIMS, NSW DPI, and UWA with local communities, blending hands-on restoration with essential scientific research. Together, we’re working to deepen our understanding of these vital habitats and safeguard them for future generations.
Operation Posidonia aims to bring this seagrass back, along with the critters that live within its meadows.
Photos Courtesy Dave Harasti and John Turnbull
Video Courtesy of the Great Southern Reef Foundation
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