Seagrass Impacts

Termed the "lungs of the sea," seagrasses are vital to maintaining a healthy underwater ecosystem. 

Evolving from land plants, seagrasses are underwater flowering plants that form meadows on the sea floor. Requiring light to photosynthesize, they are found in shallower, calmer waters in which they can absorb nutrients and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, thereby improving overall water quality. Seagrasses also provide an ideal environment for fish sheltering and breeding.

Some forms of aquaculture lead to rapid accumulation of organic matter, including uneaten feed and fish feces, which can alter sediment characteristics. This can affect the root systems of seagrass, potentially leading to changes in nutrient uptake and root oxygenation. Excessive sedimentation can smother these plants, hindering their growth or even causing them to die off. 

Learn more about how degradation of seagrass beds can lead to reduced biodiversity and altered ecosystem dynamics in Explore Environmental Impacts: Seagrass.