Fornells recovers its underwater meadow: more than 99% of the Posidonia thrives after the transplant

PalmThe restoration initiative for Posidonia oceanica in the port of Fornells, promoted by the Balearic Islands Government through Ports IB, is achieving very positive results. Recent scientific monitoring has confirmed a survival rate of over 99% for the planted fragments, consolidating the initial success of this environmental restoration measure.

Specifically, plots with 16 rhizome fragments—underground stems—show a 99.7% survival rate, while plots with 32 fragments reach 99.4%. The Government emphasizes that these figures are especially remarkable considering the short time that has passed since the completion of the plantation. In addition to the restoration work, information signs have been installed on the Fornells seafront promenade to raise visitor awareness about the importance of respecting the planting areas and contributing to the protection of this valuable marine ecosystem.

This action is part of the compensatory measures included in the environmental impact statement for the comprehensive renovation of the Port of Fornells (Phase 2). It involved the restoration of 2,160 m2 of seabed by planting 3,200 fragments of Posidonia rhizome, carried out by the company Tecnoambiente SL with scientific advice from the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA – CSIC/UIB). Subsequent monitoring is undertaken by the University-Business Foundation of the Balearic Islands (FUEIB), commissioned by Ports IB.

With this project, the Government reaffirms its "commitment to sustainability" and the protection of marine ecosystems, promoting "responsible" port management that seeks a balance between infrastructure development and environmental conservation.