Environmental Assessment and Spatial Distribution of Posidonia oceanica Meadows along the Tripoli Coast, Libya: An Exploratory Approach to Protection, Restoration, and Sustainable Propagation Sustainable Development Researches Centre

Abstract

Background: Posidonia oceanica meadows are among the most important coastal ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea because of their contribution to biodiversity conservation, coastal stability, habitat provision, and ecosystem functioning. However, these meadows are increasingly exposed to human and environmental pressures, while detailed spatial and ecological information remains limited along the Libyan coast.

Problem: The study addresses the need to assess the current situation of P. oceanica meadows along the Tripoli coast, determine the level of awareness of their ecological importance, identify major perceived threats, assess the need for protection and restoration, and explore the feasibility of sustainable propagation programs.

Objective: The study aimed to assess awareness of the ecological importance of P. oceanica, identify major threats and human activities affecting the meadows, evaluate perceived needs for protection and restoration, and explore prospects for sustainable propagation.

Methodology: A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted, using a structured questionnaire as the main data-collection instrument. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, of which 388 valid responses were obtained, representing a 97% response rate. The respondents included groups associated with the marine and coastal environment. The questionnaire comprised four main dimensions with 20 Likert-scale items. The overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.927, indicating high internal consistency.

Results and conclusions: The overall mean of the study dimensions was 3.66. Awareness and ecological importance ranked first (M=3.78), followed by threats and influencing factors (M=3.69), protection and restoration (M=3.64), and propagation and future prospects (M=3.51). A statistically significant positive correlation was also identified between perceived human pressures and their perceived effects on the meadows (r=0.612). The findings indicate relatively high awareness and positive orientations toward protection and restoration.

Recommendations: The study recommends conducting detailed field and spatial surveys, developing a GIS-based database, strengthening environmental monitoring, reducing pollution and coastal pressures, enhancing public and fisher awareness, and implementing carefully controlled restoration trials supported by long-term monitoring. The findings should be interpreted as exploratory perceptions rather than direct measurements of the actual ecological condition of P. oceanica meadows.