Plant or litter?

When visiting Mediterranean beaches, tourists may mistake the dead Neptune grass for waste. Yet, this plant plays an integral role in the marine environment.

Also known as the Posidonia oceanica, this plant is widely common and necessary in the Mediterranean seas. It acts as a shelter for marine species, allowing them to feed and breed, as well as improving the oxygen levels in the sea.

In truth safeguarding our coasts, the plant is often disregarded by both tourists and local authorities. 

The Posidonia oceanica prevents erosion and disappearance of our beaches, yet it is currently in danger due to the polluted waste disposal and human invasion of marine species.

With Semana Santa (The Holy Week) bringing a large number of visitors to the Costa Blanca, local authorities are still receiving tourist complaints about the “rubbish” on the beach.

The municipality of Denia makes efforts to preserve its environment and leaves the weeds in place during the seasons low in tourism, but this Easter holiday, the local council is clearing up Denia´s beach for the sake of the bathers. 

The dried Posidonia will be forwarded to provide bedding for livestock and horses.