Seagrass meadows are underwater ecosystems formed by marine plants known as seagrasses. These plants are angiosperms adapted to live submerged in the marine environment, capable of photosynthesis, producing flowers, fruits, and seeds. The most common species include Posidonia oceanica, Zostera marina, and Thalassia testudinum. They usually grow in shallow coastal areas with high light exposure, forming extensive vegetal beds.
These marine ecosystems not only harbor a great aquatic biodiversity, but they also are great allies in combating climate change. In fact, their role is vital in mitigating its effects.
According to experts, seagrass meadows can absorb up to 35 times more CO2 than a tropical rainforest area. This helps reduce damage from sea warming, and also contributes to a faster recovery of the ocean.
Furthermore, these meadows contribute to the well-being of several species since the underground roots that grow beneath the seabed are the main source of food for many fish and birds.
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Benefits of Seagrass Meadows for the Environment
According to experts, these are the benefits of seagrass meadows for the environment:
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Climate Change Mitigation
These ecosystems act as carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in sediment and biomass. This helps reduce the effects of climate change by preventing the release of this stored carbon into the atmosphere.
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Coastal Protection
Their roots and rhizomes stabilize sediment, which prevents coastal erosion. They also reduce wave energy and currents, acting as a natural barrier that protects coasts from erosion and storm impacts.
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Biodiversity
They are rich habitats in biodiversity, hosting numerous marine species such as fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and algae. Additionally, they function as refuge, feeding, and breeding areas for many species of ecological and economic importance. Furthermore, they support marine trophic chains by serving as a primary food source for herbivores like dugongs and sea turtles.
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Water Quality Improvement
Seagrass meadows filter suspended particles and excess nutrients in the water, improving its clarity and quality. Additionally, they help prevent phenomena like eutrophication, which can lead to harmful algal blooms.
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Reduction of Marine Acidification
Through photosynthesis, seagrass meadows absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to reduce marine water acidification and helping to maintain healthy ecosystems.
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Economic and Cultural Value
These ecosystems support coastal fisheries, as many commercially important species depend on them at some point in their life cycle, while also contributing to ecotourism, such as diving and snorkeling activities, due to their visual richness and biodiversity.
Despite their benefits, seagrass meadows are threatened by human activities such as pollution, spills, coastal zone development, dredging, as well as by climate change that increases ocean acidity and temperature.
Seagrass meadows are vital ecosystems for ocean and planetary health. They provide significant environmental, economic, and social benefits, but their conservation is essential to ensure their role in climate change mitigation and the maintenance of marine biodiversity.
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