What are Seagrasses?

About Seagrasses:

• Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow submerged in shallow marine waters like bays and lagoons.
• They are so-named because most species have long green, grass-like leaves.
• Seagrasses have roots, stems, and leaves and produce flowers and seeds.
• Like terrestrial plants, seagrass also photosynthesizes and manufactures their own food and releases oxygen.
• They evolved around 100 million years ago, and there are approximately 72 different seagrass species that belong to four major groups.
• Some of the important seagrasses are Sea Cow Grass (Cymodocea serrulata), Thready Seagrass (Cymodocea rotundata), Needle Seagrass (Syringodium isoetifolium), Flat-tipped Seagrass (Halodule uninervis), Spoon Seagrass (Halophila ovalis) and Ribbon Grass (Enhalus acoroides). 
• Distribution:
  • They are found on all continents except Antarctica.
  • The tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific hold the highest diversity of seagrasses in the world.
• Seagrass distribution in India:
  • They occur all along the coastal areas of India.
  • They are abundant in the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannarin Tamil Nadu.
• Ecosystem services:
  • They are considered to be ‘Ecosystem Engineers’.
  • Seagrasses help maintain water quality. They trap fine sediments and suspended particles in the water column and increase water clarity.
  • They filter nutrients released from land-based industries before they reach sensitive habitats like coral reefs.
  • The extensive vertical and horizontal root systems of seagrasses stabilise the sea bottom.
  • They are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world.