The conservation of hashtagseagrass ecosystems is vital for the future of the marine environment throughout the planet. Seagrass meadows are among the most common coastal habitats on Earth, covering more than 300,000 km2 in at least 159 countries.
Seagrass, the only plant in the world that flowers underwater, is capable of sequestering carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, proving its capabilities as an important hashtagecosystem for the health of the oceans. Seagrass habitats have been declining at an ever increasing rate, with 7% of seagrass habitats being lost each year and at least 22 of the world’s 72 seagrass species are in decline.
By anchoring itself with its root/rhizome system in the seafloor, seagrass stabilises the sediment in which it grows, preventing erosion. Its long leaves slow down water currents and trap sediments, excessive nutrients and chemicals, leading to improved water quality. Seagrass aids in mitigating damage from rising sea levels and protects shorelines from erosion by reducing wave energy. It oxygenates the water and contributes to combating climate change by storing carbon in the seafloor.
The planet is only as healthy as the ecosystems that communities can depend upon. Local communities have the greatest connection to its nearby hashtagbiodiversity and ecosystems. The effects on the natural world resulting from hashtagclimatechange are most felt by communities whose livelihoods depend on the natural world, and seagrass is susceptible to reduced climate resilience from more acidic oceans. Communities can be the driving force towards maintaining the health of the natural world around them. The blue economy is a vital industry in many national economies, and those with large fisheries and tourism sectors.
The oceans are the biggest hashtagcarbonsinks on our planet, with seagrass beds storing up to 18% of oceanic carbon, they are vital in tackling the hashtagclimatecrisis. Implementing hashtagnaturerestoration projects is extremely important commitment to undertaking hashtagclimateaction that all people can be undertaken to turn back the tide of extinction to unique ecosystems, biodiversity and wildlife throughout the planet.
Protecting seagrass meadows is a worthy cause: they filter and purify ocean water, protect coastlines from erosion & reduce the impacts of floods, act as natural wildlife corridors coral reefs and mangroves, and provide cultural/spiritual significance to indigenous groups. A variety of aquatic species depend on seagrass for shelter, including fish, shellfish, crustaceans, sea anemones and corals.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cian-donovan-environmentalservices_seagrass-ecosystem-biodiversity-share
Image Credit: Wildlife Conservation Society