Introduction
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is famous for its coral, but much less so for its vast seagrass meadows. According to Emma Jackson, director of the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) at Central Queensland University, “people don't dive on them, don't snorkel on them, and don't go rock pooling on them”.
This is because, although they are known as the “ugly cousins” of coral reefs, these flowering plants provide a home and foraging grounds for marine life, as well as habitats for commercial fish species. Additionally, these meadows stabilize sediments, help purify the water column, and sequester substantial amounts of carbon.
The Importance of Seagrass
Emma Jackson is a self-confessed seagrass nerd and believes that, when people understand the importance of these ecosystems, they can share her passion. She states that seagrass provides a variety of ecosystem services, including sediment stabilization, water purification, and carbon sequestration.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to around 3.5 million hectares of seagrass, an area larger than Belgium, which accounts for about 11% of the world's total. Australia is a global hotspot of seagrass biodiversity, hosting around half of the world's 60 species of plants.
The Impacts of Climate Change
However, as climate change ramps up temperatures and triggers more frequent extreme weather events, Australia's marine meadows are increasingly battered by intense storms and cyclones, flooding, and devastating marine heat waves. Additionally, algal blooms are also impacting seagrass, blocking out sunlight and reducing the plant's ability to undergo photosynthesis.
These impacts can have severe consequences for marine biodiversity and Australia's economy, which heavily relies on tourism and fishing. Therefore, it is crucial that measures are taken to protect and restore Australia's seagrass meadows.
Conclusion
In summary, Australia's seagrass meadows are under pressure due to climate change and extreme weather events. It is essential that measures are taken to protect and restore these ecosystems, not only to preserve marine biodiversity but also to maintain Australia's economy.
Source / Reference: Mongabay