Samenvatting

Posidonia oceanica is a species of seagrass endemic to the Mediterranean Sea where it grows either in patchy patterns or forms extensive meadows, at up to 50m of depth. The species has great ecological and economical value. It provides a habitat and nursing ground for many marine fauna species and fixates both nutrients and sediment particles. Meadows have a dampening effect on wave action which reduces coastal erosion. P. oceanica is a slow growing species and a decline is measured in many regions. For these reasons protection is necessary, yet existing legislation is not effectively enforced. A major cause of this is the fact that seagrass habitat is uncharted in many regions, among which The Aegean Sea. This study presents a case study of mapping P. oceanica around Samos island in the eastern Aegean, aimed towards a the development of low-cost and time-efficient methods.