MARSALA – The first installation towards the reforestation of seagrass in the Stagnone.
After the mapping investigations, the technicians of Planetek Italia, E-Geos and Biosurvey, also using satellite images, created two experimental plants: one between Punta Palermo and Punta Stagnone, the other between the latter and Punta dell’Alga.
Posidonia reforestation
In fact, the intervention aimed at reforestation has been concluded. It is a first project which, in the lagoon reserve itself, will be followed by the interventions envisaged by the more complex “Rinasce” project which, with the Municipality of Marsala, involves the Free Consortium of Trapani (manager of the Reserve) and the national inter-university consortium for Marine Sciences (Conisma).
Approximately 400 thousand euros in regional funding for this pilot “experimental transplant” intervention Posidonia oceanica”, in order to test its technical feasibility for its large-scale reproduction also with the “Rinasce” project.
Supporting modules of posidonia cuttings were transplanted, on the basis of what has already been achieved within the research/innovation PON both in Capo Feto and in the Gulf of Palermo. In particular, the system was created using an innovative product consisting of a biodegradable anchoring module.
A low environmental impact system useful for fixing plant organisms on the seabed, with the aim of guaranteeing their rooting and supporting their natural development.
In the Stagnone, posidonia plays a fundamental role
Nello Stagnoneoceanic posidonia develops particular formations that emerge on the surface during low tide and which play a fundamental role in the lagoon ecosystem. Formations that are of extreme interest from an ecological, natural and environmental point of view, representing, also due to their rarity, true “natural monuments”.
“The primary objective is therefore redevelopment – commented the mayor Massimo Grillo – and also the valorisation of the Reserve thanks to the reactivation of lagoon water circulation. This will improve the salinity and oxygenation of the water, reducing the negative effects on fish flora and fauna. And the next intervention will be to restore some canals in the northern mouth and in the northern area of the Long Island, in order to improve the circulation of water”.
The second phase of the “Rinasce” project
The reference is to the second phase of the “Rinasce” project which has already obtained financing of approximately one million and 150 thousand euros from the Po-Fesr 2014/2020 funds, aimed at recovering the environmental conditions of the Stagnone basin and which includes a sensor system which will monitor its effects, with simultaneous analysis of water quality.
Finally, another aim of the project is also interesting, that of creating an environmental communication and education plan for the benefit of knowledge of the area, in which citizens, tourist operators, visitors and citizens will be involved.
