Seagrass: Nurturing the Maritime Marvels
In the maritime world, each component of the marine ecosystem holds a crucial place. Seagrass, often eclipsed by more glamorous aspects, silently conducts a symphony of support for those in the maritime sector. As many may know, seagrass has the potential to have an amazing carbon storage capacity; capturing carbon from the atmosphere 35 times faster than rainforests, while covering just 0.2% of the seabed but storing about 10% of the ocean's carbon. However, instead of looking at its potential for carbon storage and potential carbon credits, this blog dives more into the profound practical importance of seagrass and its influence on fisheries, coastal defense, water quality, and the potential repercussions of neglecting its preservation.
Seagrass: The Maritime Helper
Picture a hidden world beneath the waves, where seagrass meadows sway gracefully – bustling ecosystems teeming with marine life. These meadows are not just an underwater spectacle; they are essential nurseries for an array of marine species, including commercially important fish. In fact, over 20% of the world's largest fisheries, the backbone of global food security, depend on seagrass for their nursery habitats. However, an estimated 7% of seagrass habitat is being lost worldwide each year, and at least 22 of the world’s 72 seagrass species are in decline.
Impact on Fisheries:
Imagine relying heavily on fisheries for sustenance and income. Seagrass meadows are more than picturesque underwater fields; they are the lifeblood of the industry. They nurture countless juvenile fish species, supporting a high percentage of commercially important fish species, including blue crabs, pink shrimp, and spotted seatrout. For example, in a study published in Bioscience, it was revealed that seagrass meadows serve as essential nurseries for a wide range of marine species, including the likes of clawed lobster, eels, red drum, gag grouper, blue groper, pink snapper, luderick, tarwhine, blue crabs, brown shrimp, flounder, pinfish, striped mullet, and gray snapper. These underwater havens are where these species find shelter and nourishment in their early stages of life.
Maritime Industry Economic Impact:
The loss of seagrass meadows could bear significant economic consequences for the maritime industry. It translates into diminished fish populations and amplified coastal erosion, affecting not only the delicate marine balance but also maritime economics. An illustration of this impact can be found in Chesapeake Bay, where the loss of seagrass meadows has led to an estimated loss of a staggering $4 billion in economic value. This sobering statistic underscores the far-reaching implications of neglecting seagrass preservation.
Coastal Protection:
Just as mentioned above, the role of seagrass in protecting these coastlines is crucial. These unassuming meadows act as nature's armor, guarding our shores from the relentless forces of coastal erosion and storm surges. In areas with healthy seagrass meadows, shoreline erosion can be reduced by up to 50%.
Water Quality:
Seagrass meadows don't just provide protection; they enhance the very waters we know. They act as nature's filters, trapping pollutants and sediment, purifying coastal waters. Cleaner waters mean safer navigation, healthier ecosystems, healthier catches, and more prosperous maritime activities. Seagrass meadows can remove up to 90% of nitrogen and phosphorus from the water.
Challenges, Threats & Possibilities :
However, these resilient ecosystems face a series of challenges. Human activities such as dredging, coastal development, and pollution have led to the destruction of these invaluable habitats. Climate change poses an even greater threat, with rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification causing seagrass die-offs worldwide. The consequences for the maritime industry are dire – reduced fish populations, increased coastal erosion, and compromised water quality.
Yet, successful seagrass restoration projects have had a positive impact on fish populations and water quality. For example, a seagrass restoration project in Virginia restored over 70 hectares of seagrass habitat and resulted in a 300% increase in bay scallop populations.
Call to Action:
Now, what can you do? Start by taking these tangible steps:
Invest in Sustainable Technologies: Invest in and promote the use of sustainable maritime technologies and practices that minimise the impact on seagrass meadows. This may include technologies that reduce propeller scarring, improve ballast water management, and prevent the release of harmful substances into coastal waters.
Following on from above, invest in proper waste disposal. Ensure responsible disposal of waste and chemicals to protect seagrass habitats.
Adapting environmental best practices and ensure shipping routes are adapted to areas where dredging is not effecting local wildlife.
Avoid Anchoring in Seagrass Meadows: Navigate with care and avoid anchoring in seagrass meadows.
Support conservation organisations and climate impact projects on seagrass (The Nature Conservancy, Project Seagrass, The Ocean Conservation Trust).
Participate in Research and Monitoring: Collaborate with researchers and environmental organizations to monitor the health of seagrass ecosystems in areas where the company/you as an individual operate. This data can contribute to a better understanding of seagrass habitats and inform conservation efforts.
Seagrass isn't just a scenic underwater vista; it's your partner in the maritime industry's journey. Its preservation is not only a responsibility but an investment in a sustainable maritime future. It is just one of the many ecosystems in our oceans, not only bringing value to the marine ecosystem but also supporting our global economy and millions of livelihoods.
We can work with you to ensure your practices are not only aligned with climate policy to ensure you are working with the planet, but also ways you can really create a positive climate impact. Let’s stand together.
Contact us now to find out more.