What are seagrasses and where are they found?
Seagrasses (also known as Eel Grass) are grass-like flowering plants with dark green, long, narrow, ribbon shaped leaves. They are one of the very few flowering plants that live in the sea. Three species of Eel Grass are found in England. They grow in sheltered waters such as shallow inlets, bays, estuaries and saline lagoons. Common Eel Grass Zostera marina is the only species that occurs below the low water mark. It grows mainly on sand, but also fine gravel, typically down to a depth of 4 metres and forms dense swards. Seagrass beds also provide important food for wildfowl, such as Brent Geese, and nutrients to support seabed communities. They help trap sediments, act as a nursery area for young fish and shellfish and provide a habitat for many other plants and animals. The national importance of seagrass beds for biodiversity has been recognised. There is a Biodiversity Action Plan for seagrass beds and mudflats. For more information visit the UK BAP website.
