How are seagrasses important to the marine ecosystem?
Seagrass communities are one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems. They provide habitats and nursery grounds for many marine animals, and act as substrate stabilisers. In northern Australia, seagrass meadows are important as they provide sheltered refuges and feeding areas for prawns and juvenile fish. In some coastal areas, entire fisheries may depend on the productivity of these seagrass beds. The rhizomes and roots of the grasses bind sediments on the bottom, where nutrients are recycled by microorganisms back into the marine ecosystem. The leaves of the grasses slow water flow, allowing suspended material to settle on the bottom. This increases the amount of light reaching the seagrass bed and creates a calm habitat for many species. Seagrass meadows are a major food source for a number of grazing animals in the Great Barrier Reef region. The dugong (Dugong dugon) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) mainly feed on seagrass. An adult green turtle eats about two kilograms
