Posidonia oceanica is an aquatic plant endemic to the Mediterranean, essential for marine biodiversity and the quality of coastal ecosystems. Known as the "lung of the Mediterranean," this plant produces five times more oxygen than the Amazon rainforest and provides a habitat for over 4,000 species of plants and 700 species of animals in its underwater meadows.
Benidorm is home to well-preserved Posidonia meadows, a sign of the high quality and purity of its waters. Thanks to the POSIMED project, led by the Coastal Ecology Institute, ongoing monitoring is conducted to assess their growth and evolution.
According to the POSIMED 2022 report, the Posidonia meadows in Benidorm are in a positive state of conservation, growing between 1 and 3 cm per year. They can be found at various points along the coastline:
✅ Levante, Poniente, and Mal Pas beaches: from a depth of 5 metres.
✅ Tío Ximo and Almadrava coves: from a depth of 15 metres.
The conservation of Posidonia oceanica is essential for marine sustainability. Its meadows:
🌊 Filter and oxygenate the water, ensuring its clarity and quality.
🐠 Provide a habitat and refuge for numerous marine species.
🏝️ Protect the coastline from erosion, stabilising the seabed and reducing wave impact.
The protection of Posidonia oceanica is part of Benidorm’s dedication to environmental conservation. Through sustainable management strategies and collaboration with specialised organisations, the city ensures the preservation of this unique ecosystem, allowing future generations to continue enjoying its crystal-clear waters.
📌 Did you know...? In Benidorm, Posidonia remains on the shore are not waste but an indicator of excellent marine quality. It is recommended not to remove them, as they play a crucial ecological role.