Operation Posidonia
What is Posidonia australis?
Posidonia australis is a slow-growing, flowering seagrass that forms dense, vibrant underwater meadows along our coastlines in Southern Australia, including Western Australia, South Australia, and parts of New South Wales (NSW). Like other seagrass species, it is considered “the dolphin of the plant world”, as it is a true plant, just like those on land, that evolved to a fully submerged lifestyle while maintaining plant characteristics (roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds).
Posidonia australis forms an essential nursery habitat for various marine species, from iconic seahorses to commercially important snapper and blue swimmer crabs. It plays a critical role in producing oxygen, sequestering carbon, improving water quality and stabilising sediments, helping to protect our shorelines from erosion.
Photo courtesy: David Harasti.
The Problems
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 some meadows are formally listed as endangered by both the Australian Commonwealth Government (EPBC Act 1999) and the NSW Government (Fisheries Management Act 1994). 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 Solutions
Operation Posidonia was founded in 2018 with a clear mission: to conserve and restore Posidonia australis, with a focus on New South Wales. We focus on restoring damaged seagrass meadows and advocate for 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 are working to deepen our understanding of these vital habitats and safeguard them for the future.
Operation Posidonia aims to bring this seagrass back, along with the critters that live within its meadows.
Photos courtesy of Dave Harasti and John Turnbull
Video Courtesy of the Great Southern Reef Foundation
Follow our journey!
