Seagrass Meadows

Seagrass meadows are underwater ecosystems made up of flowering plants that thrive in shallow coastal waters. Unlike seaweed, seagrasses are true plants that form huge underwater meadows, providing essential habitats for marine life.

Seagrass meadows support a diverse array of marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and sea turtles. These habitats serve as crucial breeding, feeding, and nursery grounds.

Seagrass meadows play a significant role in slowing climate change by absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide, up to 35 times more efficiently than terrestrial forests. This capacity makes them one of the most effective natural carbon sinks on the planet.

Despite their importance, seagrass meadows are declining globally due to pollution, coastal development, warming oceans, and physical damage like irresponsible boating practices. Conservation and restoration efforts are now more important than ever to protect these resilient ecosystems and ensure their long-term survival.

Seagrass ecosystems capture “blue carbon” by trapping carbon in their root systems and surrounding sediments, where it can be stored for millennia. This process can be incredibly helpful in reducing greenhouse gases and combating climate change if carefully preserved.

Seagrass meadows contribute to better water quality, prevent coastal erosion, and support local fisheries. Protecting these ecosystems is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of our coastal environments.