Meriruohikkojen

Meriruohikkojen, often translated as seagrass meadows, are underwater ecosystems found in coastal waters worldwide. These marine flowering plants, which belong to the order Alismatales, are the only angiosperms that have adapted to life in saltwater environments. They form dense beds in shallow, sheltered bays, estuaries, and along coastlines, playing a crucial role in marine biodiversity and coastal health.

Seagrass meadows are highly productive habitats that provide essential food and shelter for a vast array of marine organisms. They are nurseries for commercially important fish species, support populations of sea turtles and dugongs, and offer foraging grounds for seabirds and invertebrates. The intricate root systems of seagrasses also stabilize the seabed, preventing erosion and improving water clarity by trapping sediment.

These vital ecosystems are under significant threat from human activities such as coastal development, pollution, dredging, and unsustainable fishing practices. Overfishing can lead to an increase in algae that smothers seagrass, while pollution can reduce light penetration and introduce harmful toxins. Climate change, with its associated sea-level rise and warming waters, also poses a serious risk to seagrass meadows globally. Conservation efforts are underway in many regions to protect and restore these valuable marine habitats.