Meriruohokasveja

Meriruohokasveja, also known as seagrasses, are flowering plants that have adapted to a marine environment. Unlike algae, which are not true plants, seagrasses possess true roots, stems, and leaves, and they reproduce via flowers and seeds. They are typically found in shallow, sheltered coastal waters worldwide, forming extensive underwater meadows that are vital to marine ecosystems.

These plants play a crucial role in coastal protection by stabilizing the seabed and reducing wave energy, thereby preventing coastal erosion. Their dense root systems anchor the sediment, improving water clarity by trapping suspended particles. This clearer water benefits other marine organisms, including coral reefs and shellfish.

Seagrass meadows are also biodiversity hotspots, providing habitat, food, and nursery grounds for a vast array of marine life. Fish, sea turtles, manatees, dugongs, and numerous invertebrates rely on seagrasses for survival. They form the base of many marine food webs, supporting commercial fisheries and other economically important species.

However, seagrasses are facing significant threats. Pollution from agriculture and urban runoff, dredging, coastal development, and the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, are leading to widespread seagrass loss. Conservation efforts are underway globally to protect and restore these essential underwater habitats.