Analysis and evaluation of seagrass Posidonia oceanica on the Aegean Sea

In this study, the lower limit depth, lower limit type, phenological and lepidocronological characteristics of Posidonia oceanica were examined at 25 different stations along the Aegean Sea (Enez-Marmaris Bozburun) coastline, and data on the current status of the species were collected. Field and sampling studies were conducted in October 2023 using equipped diving (SCUBA) with quadrats and imaging devices. The stations with the highest shoot density were Karaburun and Bozcaada with 432 shoots/m². The station with the deepest lower limit was found as Bozburun 2 station at 36.5 m. The lower limit depth of meadow the stations was generally sparse, observed only at the Ildır and Altınoluk stations as a regressive type. Through lepidocronological analysis, aging was determined, revealing a 5-year shoot at the Seferihisar station, while the average shoot age at other stations was generally found to be 2-3 years. According to the results of phenological analyses, the highest mature leaf length was 600.00 mm at the Saros station, while the highest broken apex ratio (%48) was observed at the Bozcaada station.