Restoring the underwater meadows

On 28 May 2025, stakeholders, scientists, NGOs, and government representatives gathered in Malta to celebrate the remarkable progress of Neptune: The Seagrass Restoration Project in the Mediterranean Sea. Led locally by Prof. Alan Deidun and the Oceanography Malta Research Group (OMRG) within the Department of Geosciences of the University of Malta, this pioneering project is at the forefront of marine restoration, focusing on the transplantation of meadows of Posidonia oceanica—a vital seagrass species—within marine areas from where the same meadows have been lost in recent years.

The Neptune project is a collaborative initiative, bringing together the expertise and commitment of several international and local partners. In Malta, Prof. Deidun’s team—comprising Mr. Alessio Marrone, Dr. Adam Gauci, Ms. Audrey Zammit, and Mr. David Ramirez—has been instrumental in conducting scientific research, fieldwork, and monitoring. They work in close cooperation with MedSea Foundation, under the scientific direction of Dr. Francesca Frau, who has played a crucial role in leading the transplantation activities. The project is funded by prominent partners, including CMA CGM and Fondation de la Mer, reflecting a strong international backing for marine conservation efforts in the Mediterranean.

A key moment in the project took place in November 2024, when the first phase of transplantation was conducted in Qawra Bay. With Dr. Frau’s team and assisted by Marrone, approximately 100 square metres of Posidonia oceanica—also known as the Neptune seagrass—were successfully transplanted. These activities were carried out with the operational support of the Orange Shark Diving Centre, ensuring precision and logistical support in placing the seagrass in suitable locations.

The results, as presented during the event, are promising. A monitoring survey conducted on 24th May 2025 confirmed that roughly 90% of the transplanted seagrass is still in place and thriving. This high survival rate not only validates the methodology adopted but also offers hope for larger-scale restoration efforts planned for the upcoming autumn, when additional degraded areas in Qawra Bay will be targeted.

The event drew an impressive lineup of attendees, demonstrating the widespread support for marine conservation in Malta. Government entities such as the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM) and the Climate Action Authority were present, along with several NGOs including Nature Trust, Sharklab and Birdlife Malta, the PDSA diving community, and the Malta National Aquarium. These groups, all actively engaged in marine protection, praised the project’s transparent scientific approach and the tangible results achieved so far.

Among the event’s keynote guests was Hon. Miriam Dalli, Malta’s Minister for the Environment, who reaffirmed the government’s support for initiatives that tackle marine degradation and climate change. “Restoring our natural marine habitats is essential for the resilience of our islands,” she stated. “Projects like Neptune demonstrate how scientific collaboration can drive environmental progress.”

The importance of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, which only cover an estimated 2% of the Mediterranean seabed, cannot be overstated. As one of the most effective natural carbon sinks in the Mediterranean, this seagrass plays a critical role in mitigating climate change. It also serves as a nursery for marine biodiversity, helps to stabilize the seabed, protects shorelines from erosion, and produces significant amounts of oxygen. Unfortunately, large swathes of seagrass meadows have been lost in recent decades due to pollution, coastal development, and anchoring damage.

By restoring these underwater meadows, the Neptune project is not only helping to reverse environmental damage but is also reinforcing Malta’s role as a leader in Mediterranean marine conservation. With the new transplantation phases already planned and strong institutional backing, the initiative sets a powerful precedent for the rest of the region.

Further information about the Neptune project can be gleaned through underwater clips shared on the OMRG’s YouTube channel. Malta looks to the future, projects like Neptune offer a hopeful vision—one where science, policy, and community engagement come together to heal the sea.