Diving into Research: Investigating Fish Farming Impact on Posidonia in Poros
In October 2024, we had the unique opportunity to closely observe groundbreaking research on the impacts of fish farming on Posidonia seagrass meadows in Poros. Led by scientists from the Biology Department of the University of Oxford, the survey examines changes in meadow cover and seagrass performance across various distances from fish farms.
We spent the day aboard the research boat, watching hands-on fieldwork by the University researchers alongside expert divers from the local dive center. The team surveyed both control sites – located far from fishfarms – and sites near facilities to assess key environmental indicators.
We also had the chance to join an exhibition snorkel over the Posidonia meadows, offering a breathtaking perspective on the beauty and fragility of this vital ecosystem. Seeing the seagrass beds beneath the surface reinforced the importance of protecting these habitats.
Later, we met with the research team at Katheti, our local partner’s offices to discuss the study and next steps. We focused on sharing knowledge locally and beyond to ensure that findings contribute to better understanding and wider conservation efforts.
We are proud to support this work and look forward to sharing more soon.