Completing the marine ecological survey around the Kuriat Islands in Tunisia

From 13 to 17 June 2011, SPA/RAC undertook a second ecological field survey in the Kuriat Islands pilot site (Tunisia) to be declared as a marine and coastal protected area. The survey focused on the delineation and mapping of shallow Posidonia meadows (forming the so-called “Posidonia barrier reefs” formations) and mearl beds around the islands. Both formations are considered as rare and vulnerable in the Mediterranean region. Based on these ecological findings, a preliminary zoning was proposed. A detailed management plan for the area will be drafted and discussed among all concerned stakeholders during 2012.

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