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Neritic Zone
Seagrass Meadow
Underwater meadows of true flowering seagrasses - critical habitat for sea turtles, manatees, seahorses, and countless juvenile fish.
Depth: 0-40m Light: Sunlight
📖 Overview
Seagrasses are not seaweed - they are true flowering plants that returned to the sea. Meadows of turtle grass, eelgrass, and Posidonia carpet shallow coastal waters worldwide. They shelter juvenile fish, feed sea turtles and manatees, house seahorses, and sequester carbon. Global seagrass area is declining rapidly from pollution, dredging, and boat propellers.
🌿 Ecology
Green sea turtle and manatee grazing. Nursery for grouper, snapper, bonefish, permit. Seahorses use seagrass to anchor. Scallops depend on seagrass beds.
⚠️ Threats
Coastal pollution, dredging, propeller scarring, disease, warming waters.