Seagrasses
Tabitha S., Tanya A., Julissa S., Victor G., Alex T.
All about seagrasses!
THREATS:
- Coastal pollution
- Natural disturbances such as grazing, storms and desiccation
- Dredging for harbors, ports and shipping lanes
- Eutrophication: excessive input of nutrients is toxic to seagrasses
- Clearance for beaches
- Shipping: anchoring, pollution
- Tourist facilities
- Global warming, sea level rise, , UV increase
CONSERVATION MEASURES:
- Be aware: If you live near the coast or along a river, be careful when applying fertilizers and pesticides to your lawn.
- Read the Water: Try to keep a lookout for shallow areas and for organisms close to the surface.
- Know your Boating signs and Markers: operate your boat in marked channels to prevent running aground and damaging your boat and seagrass beds.
- Know your depth and draft: When in doubt about the depth, slow down and idle. If you run aground, pole or walk your boat to deeper water.
- Be on the Lookout: Docks, boathouses, and even boats can block the sunlight from reaching the seagrasses below.
- Study your charts: Use navigational charts, fishing maps, or local boating guides to become familiar with water ways.
Works cited:
"CNMI: Tanapag -- The Sea: On The Reef." CNMI: Tanapag -- The Sea: On The Reef. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
"Aquatic Science." : Sea Grass. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
"Seagrasses Store As Much Carbon As Forests | Ecology Global Network."Ecology Global Network. N.p., 13 June 2012. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
"Help Protect Seagrasses." Help Protect Seagrasses. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
"Blue Carbon: Seagrasses Can Store as Much Carbon as Forests - Green Africa Directory." Green Africa Directory. N.p., 20 Dec. 2012. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
"Seagrass: Pastures of the Sea." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
"Research Areas." Seagrasses Can Store as Much Carbon as Forests. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
"Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce." N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.