Habitat characteristics and fauna of Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

Seagrass meadows are one of the most important marine habitats since they occupy extensive areas of the seabed in shallow coastal waters throughout the world and are highly productive. Seagrass meadows provide a physical refuge for numerous fish and invertebrate species, food for a large munber of species, an extended substratum for attached plants and animals, and support commercial fisheries through their role as nurseries. In the Mediterranean, the endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile fonus extensive meadows at depths of c. l to 40 m and constitutes a key component of the infralittoral ·zone. In spite of its importance, the role of P. oceanica meadows as a habitat is poorly understood.