We find on the beach piles of leaves that come from the sea and that we call seaweed. These piles of dry leaves, which often bother us or even cause disgust, are not dirt but remains of a marine plant, posidonia, which the sea washes up to the coast.
Posidonia, a natural protection
The existence of posidonia is considered by scientists as the best indicator of the good conservation of the beach, the clearest and most unequivocal sign of the good condition of the waters and the quality of the coastline.
Posidonia lives in the marine environment, near the coast, and forms underwater meadows known as seagrass beds; in Menorca, they surround the island.
Its function in the environment is essential: They protect the beaches from the force of the waves and give them stability, and they also provide them with sand.
They produce the oxygen and organic matter necessary for the life of many marine species.
They host a multitude of living beings: sea urchins and starfish, sea cucumbers, sponges, shells and other mollusks, anemones, algae… and many species of fish that find food, shelter, and the ideal place to lay their eggs and for the fry to grow.
You can find more information on the Balearic Government website atlasposidonia.com
Ensuring its conservation is ensuring the good health of the beaches.
Heritage conservation
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Clean beaches
Biosphere Reserve
