GUARDIANS OF THE SEAGRASS: CHALLENGES WE FACE
There are several reasons for seagrass loss, including:
- Pollution: Seagrasses prove sensitive to pollution, with excess nutrients, sediments, and toxins causing harm to these ecosystems.
- Climate change: Global climate change contributes to seagrass decline in many regions. Escalating sea temperatures and acidification challenge the survival of seagrasses.
- Overfishing: Overfishing disrupts the balance of seagrass beds by diminishing populations of vital fish and marine species contributing to their health.
- Anchoring and dredging: Seagrass beds face harm from activities like anchoring and dredging, which can damage their structure and growth.
- Disease: Seagrasses are susceptible to various diseases that lead to significant loss of these plants.
- Natural disasters: The destructive impact of natural disasters, like storms and hurricanes, can wreak havoc on seagrass beds.
The consequential decline of seagrass ecosystems has far-reaching implications for all marine ecosystems. Safeguarding seagrasses against these multifaceted threats is crucial for the overall well-being of the oceans and their intricate inhabitants.
