Page 4 - Eco-Schools Newsletter Autumn One - English

Seagrass around the World

Many of us know the vital role of forests in absorbing carbon dioxide, keeping

our climate steady and providing precious habitats for the world’s biodiversity.

But have you heard of another remarkable carbon capturing eco-system

hidden away beneath the waves?

This genus, which only occupies Seagrass forms green, blade like
0.2% of the ocean floor, is leaves, that create underwater

impressively outpacing terrestrial gardens teeming with biodiversity.
forests in carbon capture. It stores This unique plant supports many

blue carbon a whopping 35 times life forms, including anemones,
faster than a tropical rainforest molluscs, young fish, and algae;

and accounts for 10% of the entire and in the UK, two native species of
ocean’s carbon reserves. seahorses, and a rare type of jelly

Growing in shallow, sheltered, and fish.
often tidal areas, along coastlines, Not only does it support a huge

exists large, dense meadows of range of species, but due to its

seagrass. root system, which grows into the

Seagrass is a plant, the only seabed, securing and stabilising

underwater plant to grow it, seagrass also helps to prevent
roots, flowers, pollinate and coastal erosion.

photosynthesise; all whilst living
happily submerged in saltwater.