What is seagrass?
Seagrasses are flowering plants (angiosperms) which have flowers and pollination systems that are well adapted for pollination via water. Seagrass form tiny flowers, fruits and seeds.
THREATS TO SEAGRASS
Seagrass meadows are fragile ecosystems. Human impacts such as sewage discharge, oil spills, coastal runoff, dredging, boat propellers and anchors/moorings can damage or destroy seagrasses.
THREATS TO SEAGRASS
Seagrass meadows are fragile ecosystems. Human impacts such as sewage discharge, oil spills, coastal runoff, dredging, boat propellers and anchors/moorings can damage or destroy seagrasses.
LOCAL EYES, GLOBAL WISE
Support marine conservation initiatives; learn about these special marine habitats and volunteer to monitor their health by joining Seagrass-Watch: Global Seagrass Observing Network (GSON).
What is seagrass?
Seagrasses are unique flowering plants that have evolved to live in sea water. Seagrasses belong to a group of plants known as angiosperms (flowering plants).
Like terrestrial (land living) plants, a seagrass can be divided into its leaves (which contain veins), rhizome, roots (buried in the substrate), and reproductive parts such as flowers and fruits. Algae do not have veins in their leaves nor do they possess roots (anchoring to the surface of the substrate by a holdfast) or produce flowers or seeds.
- Seagrass meadow
- Photographer: Dimitris Poursanidis
SOME FACTS
60
species
There are approximately 60 seagrass species (possibly 72) globally that belong to four major groups.
40
Times more
Times more animals occur in a seagrass meadow than in bare sand
40ºC
seagrass stress
Seawater temperatures above 40ºC will stress tropical seagrass. Death occurs at temperatures above 43ºC
local eyes, global wise
Communities are concerned about the condition and loss of seagrasses in their regions and are keen to play a primary information-gathering role and work in partnership with Seagrass-Watch: Global Seagrass Observing Network.
SEAGRASS-WATCH
GLOBAL SEAGRASS OBSERVING NETWORK
Seagrass-Watch (est. 1998), a not-for-profit organisation highly recognised for its scientific rigour, is one of the largest long-term seagrass observing networks globally (Global Seagrass Observing Network). More than 25 countries participate in the Global Seagrass Observing Network (GSON), monitoring & researching the status and trends in seagrass condition.
GLOBAL SEAGRASS OBSERVING NETWORK
research, educate, collaborate
The GSON involves communities and groups who are interested/concerned about the health of local seagrass and fosters collaboration/partnerships among community members, scientists, and environmental practitioners.
rESEARCH
Our Team are well seasoned with the practical and academic skills to conduct subtidal/intertidal monitoring, spotchecks and mapping surveys.
MONITORING
Seagrass-Watch has several seagrass monitoring strategies depending on the type and location of seagrass meadows.
TRAINING
Seagrass-Watch HQ offers 3 endorsed training courses tailored to meet specific client requirements.