French Mediterranean Water is Cleanest in 40 Years
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Loading... - Kevin Sinclair
- 01 Jul 2024
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Improved wastewater treatment and stricter environmental laws have led to the Mediterranean Sea being healthier than it has been in the past 40 years, according to a report by the Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse. The study, which analyzed genetic material in the water, highlights significant positive changes in marine biodiversity.
Key Findings:
- Posidonia oceanica Recovery: Known as the ‘lungs of the sea,’ this type of seagrass has made a remarkable comeback due to a €4.8 million annual budget for its protection, better public education on its importance, and improved wastewater treatment.
- Decreased Contaminants: Pierre Boissery of the Agence de l’Eau noted that there are far fewer contaminants in the water, with levels well below European thresholds. Some aquatic plants and fish species are showing significant progress.
- Reduced Microplastics: The concentration of microplastics has decreased by up to 80% in some coastal areas.
Study and Methods
The study was conducted in collaboration with various organizations using a non-invasive technique called environmental DNA, which examines genetic material shed in the water. Comparing current results with those from 1980, when Jacques Cousteau warned the UN of the sea's potential lifelessness, shows a clear positive trend.
Future Outlook
The progress in cleaning the Mediterranean is expected to continue following the EU's recent legislation aimed at bolstering measures to restore nature and re-establish fragile ecosystems by 2030.
Challenges Ahead:
Boissery emphasized that while pollution can be managed by addressing its sources, the damage to ecosystems caused by human activity is often irreversible. He highlighted the need for stringent rules to ensure cohabitation with marine biodiversity, which may require even more attention than terrestrial environments.
The report showcases the significant strides made in improving the health of the Mediterranean Sea, while also underscoring the ongoing efforts needed to maintain and further this progress.
