What is Seagrass? Role & Global Distribution

What is seaweed?

Seaweed refers to a unique flowering plant adapted to underwater reproduction, which can be traced back to the age of dinosaurs. Unlike real grass, they are more closely related to plants such as lilies and gums. These plants use rhizomes (the fundamental structure) to anchor on the seabed, while their long leaves extend into the water.

Seagrass grasslands are found in shallow waters of various continents, playing a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They are the main food source for marine animals, such as sulphuria and green sea turtles. In addition, they provide shelter and breeding grounds for many smaller aquatic species, including commercially valuable fish and shrimp. In addition to their ecological significance, seagrass promotes water clarity by stabilizing sediments and absorbing excess nutrients from coastal runoff.

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What are the characteristics of seaweed?

Seaweed has various characteristics on the table:

feature	describe
Scientific classification	Angiosperm (flowering plant)
Habitat	Shallow water along the coast
structure	Erection, elongated leaves with rhizomorphic structures (rhizomes)
Key Consumers	Dwarfs, green turtles, prawns and fish
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Global distribution and growth factors

Seaweeds are found in nearshore waters around the world, thriving in environments that meet certain conditions:

• Physical factors: temperature, salinity, fluctuation, depth and daytime length
• Photosynthetic limitations: light availability, nutrition, epiphysis and disease
• Human-induced threats: pollution, sedimentation and coastal development

Seaweed Habitat

• Found in shallow ocean coastlines and estuaries
• Formation of monospecific (single species) or multiple grasslands
• The depth range is determined by the availability of light and the fluctuation effect
• Survive in intertidal zones

Why is seaweed important?

Seagrass grassland is very helpful for the environment and economy. It provides:

1. Biodiversity Hot Spots

• The host of sea grass grass is 40 times more important than marine animals
• Nursery for shrimp, fish and other marine species
• Supports multiple food chains based on herbivore and fading

2. Coastal protection

• Stabilize sediments and prevent coastal erosion
• Reduce wave and tidal energy and act as natural buffer

3. Carbon solidification

feature	value
Carbon storage	Up to 83,000 metric tons per square kilometer
efficiency	Store carbon 35 times faster than rainforest
Ocean coverage	<0.2% of the ocean area, but responsible for 10% of marine carbon storage

4. Improved water quality

• Absorb excess nutrients from land-based runoff
• Capture fine sediments to enhance water clarity
• Reduce harmful bacterial pathogens in adjacent coral reefs

5. Economic Value

• Seaweed/algae meadows are the third most valuable ecosystem in the world
• Estimated value of nutritional bicycles and raw materials is USD 19,004 per hectare (valuation in 1994)
• Direct support for fisheries and coastal economies

Ecological connection

Seaweeds interact closely with mangroves and coral reefs.

1. Connectivity to mangroves and coral reefs

• Mangroves: Capture sediments from the land to prevent seagrass and corals from suffocating
• Seaweed: Reduce sediment load in water and benefit coral reefs
• Coral reefs: Protect the coastline and allow seaweed and mangroves to thrive

2. Benefits of Coral Reefs

• Improve water clarity and enhance coral health
• Increase local pH to help coral calcification
• Reduce bacterial pathogens that cause diseases by more than 50%

What is the role of seaweed in the marine food chain?

Seagrass meadows support a wealth of and diverse marine life, providing food and shelter for a wide range of species, from small invertebrates to large fish, crabs, turtles, marine mammals and birds. These underwater plants play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by providing breeding and nursery for many aquatic organisms.

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In addition to its ecological benefits, seagrass provides valuable services to humans, including coastal protection, carbon sequestration and support for fisheries. However, due to human activities (such as pollution, coastal development and destructive fishing practices), widespread loss of seagrass habitat threatens the balance of marine ecosystems.

Seagrass meadows are an important part of the marine food chain by providing food, habitat and nutrients.

1. food

• Nursery: Seagrass meadows provide safe areas for fish and invertebrates to grow and develop
• Grazing area: Seagrass meadows provide food for herbivores
• Organic Carbon Resources: Seagrass grasslands provide organic carbon as food network

2. Habitat

• Shelter: Seagrass meadow provides shelter for fish and invertebrates
• Predation shelter: Seagrass meadows provide areas where fish and invertebrates can hide in predators

3. Nutrition

• Nutrient pump: Seagrass grass and grass absorbs nutrients from the soil and releases them into water

Seagrass meadows are one of the most productive marine ecosystems in coastal waters. They are found in shallow seas on all continents except Antarctica.

Main food sources

animal	Seaweed consumption
Green Turtle (celonia mydas)	~2 kg per day
Dugong(Dugong Dugong)	28-40 kg per day

Generate oxygen

• A square meter of seaweed can produce up to 10 liters of oxygen per day
• Convert Co₂ and water to sugar and oxygen through photosynthesis

Threat to seaweed

• Climate change: Seawater temperatures above 40°C emphasize seaweed; death occurs at 43°C
• Coastal development: Pollution and habitat destruction reduce seaweed cover
• Overgrazing: Overfeeding of herbivores destroys ecosystems

The role of sharks in seaweed protection

• Sharks regulate herbivorous populations to prevent overgrazing
• Maintain a balanced seaweed ecosystem to ensure scattered distribution

in conclusion

Seaweed is one of the most productive and valuable ecosystems in the world. Their ability to store carbon, protect coastlines and support marine biodiversity makes their conservation priority. Protecting seagrass grasslands ensures a healthy marine environment and benefits economies and coastal communities.

By understanding the importance of seagrass and implementing conservation efforts, we can protect these “marine ranches” for future generations.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion