First records of Posidonia oceanica flowering in its westernmost distributional range (Málaga, Alboran Sea)

Flowering events ofPosidonia oceanica(over two consec-utive years) are reported for the first time in meadows locat-ed close to its westernmost distribution limit (Ma ́laga,southern Spain). Shoots with inflorescences were found infragmented meadows (patches between 1–130 m2) at a meandepth of 2.5 m. In March 2009, flowering was only observedin Calaburras (0–28 inflorescences m-2) and not in Calahon-da. In November 2009, massive flowering events wereobserved in both Calaburras (4–144 inflorescences m-2) andCalahonda (8–184 inflorescences m-2). On this occasion,developing fruits were also observed. From 2003 to 2009,mean annual water temperatures increased in this area, withmaximum values in late summer and autumn of 2007 and2008, and these warm waters may have induced the massiveflowering events. Flowering in theseP. oceanicameadowslocated close to the Atlantic Ocean may imply favourableenvironmental conditions and a good health status, whichshould be considered in improving conservational strategiesfor these meadows.