The use of very high-resolution images for mapping of Posidonia oceanica reef

Posidonia oceanica is an endemic Mediterranean seagrass that forms wide and dense meadows from the surface up to about 40 m depth. P. oceanica can develop on matte, a typical terraced structure built up by itself, consisting of intertwined rhizomes, roots and sediment, which may allow shoots to reach the sea surface, where may form typical reefs (récif barrière) considered “natural monuments”. These structures have received increasing attention for the potential ecosystem services they provide in protecting the coasts from erosion, forming new habitats (coastal lagoons) and contributing to carbon sink. P. oceanica reefs are particularly exposed to the expected increase in temperature and to…