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Introduction | Identification | Impacts | Causes | Actions | More Info
Causes
Why is seagrass habitat damaged or lost?
The decline of seagrasses is widespread in both temperate and tropical coastal waters. In the Florida Keys, the removal of seagrass beds have been attributed to dredge and fill projects, degraded water quality, and propellor damage from boats (FKNMS). Bomb fishing and other destructive fishing methods have also been identified as causing physical damage to seagrasses. It may take between 5 to 15 years for seagrasses to recolonize the blasted area, and in some cases, like on the Belize barrier reef, recovery has still not occurred after 40 years and may never recover (Talbot and Wilkinson 2001). Therefore, both physical removal of seagrasses as well as high levels of nutrients and pesticides that both contribute to poor water quality are reasons why seagrass beds are disappearing in coastal areas.
Is the removal of seagrasses related to other issues that affect coral reefs?
Yes, the removal of seagrass beds is often linked to other issues that affect the health of local coral reefs.
How can we solve the problem of damaged or lost seagrasses?
Seagrass beds are often removed because there is a lack of awareness in communities and governments on the value of these resources or the impact that various land uses have on these habitats. Often when management plans are prepared, seagrass beds are not considered because their values and functions are not well recognized or understood. Therefore, the more local communities understand about the importance of seagrass habitats to local fisheries resources and coral reefs, the more likely these habitats will be conserved and protected. At other times the development of ports, shipping channels and airports are needed for society. Benefits and costs must be weighed, fully understanding the services that seagrasses play in fisheries, tourism, local culture. |  | | Transplanting seagrasses.
Cebu, Philippines (H.R. Montes, Jr.) |
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