Are you at the seaside this summer? Whether this is the case or not, take the opportunity of summertime to learn about seagrass meadows! What do you know them? Why are they important? How can we protect them?
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that are found in shallow waters in many parts of the world, from the tropics to the Arctic circle. They exist in 159 countries on six continents, covering over 300,000 km2. Seagrasses form extensive underwater meadows, creating complex, highly productive and biologically rich habitats. [1] There are 72 different seagrass species in the world. Seagrass meadows are important for many reasons, including the following: [2]
- Seagrass is essential for marine biodiversity. Seagrass meadows provide food and shelter for sea life, including endangered species such as seahorses and turtles;
- Seagrass keeps the ocean clean and healthy by absorbing harmful nutrients and reducing the incidence of pathogenic marine bacteria;
- Seagrass also works as an acidification buffer, protecting vulnerable ecosystems and species, such as coral reefs;
- Seagrass meadows protect coastal areas from erosion, storms and floods as they absorb the impact of waves;
- They are home to many of the fish we eat;
- Seagrass helps mitigate the effects of climate change through carbon sequestration.
Yet, seagrass has been declining globally since the 1930s. An estimated 7% of this vital habitat disappears each year. The main threats to seagrass meadows include urban, industrial, and agricultural run-off; coastal development; dredging; unregulated fishing and boating activities; and climate change. [2]
When you are at sea, you can help protect seagrass meadows! Make sure you are well informed about regulations, guidelines and advice to protect the marine ecosystems and learn about sustainable boating. For example, when dropping anchor, be mindful to avoid seagrass beds. [3]
Did you know that the seagrass species Posidonia oceanica, commonly known as Neptune grass or Mediterranean tape weed, is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea? Posidonia oceanica forms large underwater meadows. The fruit is free floating and known in Italy as 'the olive of the sea' (l'oliva di mare). Balls of fibrous material from its foliage, known as egagropili, wash up to nearby shorelines. Explore the Map of the Week to see Posidonia oceanica distribution in the Mediterranean Sea. Zoom in to see more details!
Wish to learn more?
- If you have not yet done so, read Martina Gaglioti’s interview previously published on the Maritime Forum. Martina Gaglioti is a marine biologist with a background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and scientific diving. She is a diver since she was 9 and she is absolutely enthralled by the marine environment in all its life-forms and geological features.
- Check-out the map-based exercise co-developed by the European Atlas of the Seas team and Martina Gaglioti to explore marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Sardinia and to learn about the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Natura 2000 sites in nature conservation.
- Learn about work carried out for the conservation and restoration of seagrass meadows with the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation and Innoceana, both members of the EU4Ocean Coalition for Ocean Literacy.
The data in this map are provided by EMODnet.
[1] https://www.unep.org/topics/ocean-seas-and-coasts/blue-ecosystems/seagrass-meadows
[2] https://unric.org/en/seagrass-10-facts-about-an-ocean-plant-under-threat/
[3] https://www.transeuropemarinas.com/an-ocean-lovers-guide-to-boating-sustainably/