Marine Ecology
Interesting facts
Seagrass
Seagrasses are the only true plants in the ocean. They live in the subtidal zone where they get enough light to photosynthesise, grow, flower and pollinate. They are usually anchored in sand or sediment and contribute to clearer waters as less suspended particles can form once the grass is established and there is a slowing of water movement owing to the height of the grass. Greater clarity of water better supports the function of corals and therefore reef structures.
Seagrass evolved from terrestrial plants and recolonised the oceans millions of years ago. Seagrass meadows are very productive ecosystems which preserve biodiversity, often acting as nurseries for many species as the tall leaves offer protection and shelter for smaller life forms.
Seagrass is integral in the carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles of the subtidal ocean and seagrass meadows can form large and natural carbon stores.
Seagrass is considered to be an ecosystem engineer. From reduction of sediment movement to oxygenation of the sediment, seagrasses store carbon, improve water quality and reduce excess nutrients from pollutants such as those entering the sea through eutrophication.
Project Seagrass warn us that 1 ha of seagrass is lost every hour and that seagrass are indicator species for environmental issues.