Facts about Seagrass Meadows

1. 05

   The roots and rhizomes of seagrass meadows stabilize seafloor sediments, reducing coastal erosion and improving water clarity in surrounding areas.

   Seagrass MeadowsJun 6shareecologycoastalmarine
2. 04

   Declining worldwide, seagrass meadows are threatened by coastal development, runoff, and poor water clarity, with roughly 7% of global coverage lost each year.

   Seagrass MeadowsJun 6shareecologyconservationdecline
3. 03

   Vast seagrass meadows provide critical nursery habitat for many commercially important fish species, as well as food for dugongs, manatees, and sea turtles.

   Seagrass MeadowsJun 6shareecologyhabitatmarine
4. 02

   Unlike terrestrial grasses, seagrass meadows are flowering plants that produce pollen transported through water in a process called hydrophily.

   Seagrass MeadowsJun 6sharebiologyreproductionmarine
5. 01

   Seagrass meadows are among the most efficient carbon sinks on Earth, storing carbon in their soils at rates far exceeding those of terrestrial forests.

   Seagrass MeadowsJun 6shareecologycarbonocean