Blue Carbon Ecosystems and Coral Reefs, a Winning Combination for Preservation and Restoration

'Restoring blue carbon ecosystems is far more than just carbon storage, it can also help bring coral reefs back to life'

Seagrass as a carbon sponge?

In a pair of studies, U-M researchers evaluated the impact of nitrogen and phosphorus on seagrass, short, turf-like grasses that live in shallow, coastal areas. They found that nutrients can increase seagrass's ability to store carbon. However, in a second study, the researchers also found that an overload of nitrogen could lead to increased phytoplankton growth, which can shade out and kill seagrass. 

Transplanting Posidonia oceanica: a major scientific advance for the conservation of seagrass meadows

Transplanting seagrass meadows? Yes, it’s possible – and it works! The proof is in Monaco, with the successful transplantation of 384 m² of Posidonia oceanica. Posidonia oceanica is an essential underwater plant for marine biodiversity: it produces oxygen, shelters numerous species, and protects coastlines from erosion. Until now, these meadows were thought to be non-transplantable… but this eight-year study proves otherwise. This technique shows that transplantation can become a truly viable ecological solution to coastal urbanisation.

The Saya de Malha Bank | Reporting | The Outlaw Ocean Project

World Seagrass Day

World Seagrass Day is an annual event held on March 1 to raise awareness about seagrass and its important functions in the marine ecosystem.

Seagrasses and salt marshes can store more carbon than trees. Adding it up is easier said than done.

Verifying how much carbon is stored in these natural ecosystems is extraordinarily complex — even more so underwater.

Seagrasses filter human pathogens in marine waters

An international team of researchers discovered that coastal urban seagrass ecosystems can significantly reduce human bacterial pathogens, including those with widespread antibiotic resistance, in marine bivalves—a vital food source for people around the world.

Seagrasses filter human pathogens in marine waters

An international team of researchers discovered that coastal urban seagrass ecosystems can significantly reduce human bacterial pathogens, including those with widespread antibiotic resistance, in marine bivalves—a vital food source for people around the world.