Seagrass can be found in every continent except for Antarctica, usually in shallow coastal regions, as they need light to survive. Their optimal depth is sub-tidal down to 15 metres although some can live down to 60 metres in clear waters such as the Indo-Pacific.
Whilst there are widespread concerns about the degradation of coastal and ocean ecosystems from human activities, marine ecologists say 'uncharismatic' habitats like seagrass meadows are often forgotten or marginalised in conservation agendas.
'People don't necessarily understand its importance - it doesn't have the charismatic appeal. For example, in the tropical oceans it doesn't compare in colour to coral reef. But it actually has a huge impact on the productivity and biodiversity of the coral reef and marine ecosystem,' says Richard Unsworth, a marine expert working on the SEACAMS project at Swansea University.
Seagrass meadows provide food and habitat for fish, playing a vital role in the marine food chain as well as being home to endangered species like dugongs and green turtles.
Recent research has highlighted the large 'blue carbon' role seagrass has in absorbing carbon and locking it away into sediment. On a local scale, the absorption of carbon dioxide may also mitigate the negative effects of ocean acidification on coral growth.
Seagrass can help trap pollutants and act as a 'natural water filter' but too many nutrients, such as from sewage run-off can lead to its degradation as it can block sunlight or encourage algae growth. Other significant threats include; sand dredging projects, coastal development, extreme weather events and rising sea temperatures.
More information
SeagrassWatch
READ MORE... | |
COMMENT Seagrass may be 'uncharismatic' but it still needs protecting It may be not be as visible as tropical rainforests or wetlands but seagrass plays a vital role in the global ecosystem, says Richard Unsworth, filtering pollution and providing food to fish |
|
NEWS ANALYSIS Mangroves vs airport: Mumbai's development battle Plans for a new international airport in the coastal city of Mumbai will destroy yet more of its mangrove ecosystems, and there are fears the deal has already been closed |
|
NEWS ANALYSIS The damage caused by Singapore's insatiable thirst for land While logging and deforestation has gained global attention the growing sand mining sector is being largely ignored. Fuelled by Singapore’s land and construction demands it is wreaking environmental destruction across south-east Asia |
|
NEWS Vital mangrove forests hit by coastal developments Increasing threats to mangrove species are a symptom of the widespread destruction and exploitation of forest habitats, say campaigners |
|
INVESTIGATION Selling Indonesia's coast for cheap prawns and profit In an exclusive investigation, the Ecologist Film Unit reveals the impact of Indonesia's plans to privatise its entire 90,000 km coastline |