Posidonia oceanica changes in the Mediterranean sea

Methodology: We compiled available data published in peer-review articles and grey literature reports until year 2009 as well as our own unpublished data. We searched for data with the engine ISI web of Knowledge, using the keywords Posidonia oceanica AND (regression OR decline OR progression OR recovery OR status OR cartography OR limits OR cover OR density OR biomass OR dynamics), and conducting a back search of cited papers. More information about the methodology to be found at: Calleja, M.L., N. Marba, C.M. Duarte (2007). The relationship between seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) decline and sulfide porewater concentration in carbonate sediments. Estuarine coastal and shelf science 73: 583-588; Waycott M, CM. Duarte, T.J. B. Carruthers, R.J. Orth, W.C. Dennison, S. Olyarnik, A. Calladine, J.W. Fourqurean, K.L. Heck, Jr, A.R.ll Hughes, G A. Kendrick, W. J Kenworthy, F T. Short, S L. Williams (2009). Accelerating loss of seagrasses across the globe threatens coastal ecosystems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA 106: 12377–12381; Moreno, D., P. A. Aguilera, H. Castro (2001). Assessment of the conservation status of seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) meadows: implications for monitoring strategy and the decision-making process. Biological Conservation 102: 325-332.