Seagrass Meadows

Seagrass meadows are underwater fields of grass. They grow in sandy, shallow parts of the ocean. Seagrass is a real plant with roots, flowers, and seeds. Many sea animals live and eat in these green underwater meadows.

An Underwater Home

Seagrass meadows are busy places full of life. Sea turtles munch on the grass, and manatees love to eat it too. Baby fish hide among the blades to stay safe from bigger fish. Crabs, shrimp, and sea horses also call the meadows home. The meadows sway back and forth with the ocean waves.

Helping the Planet

Seagrass helps the Earth in many ways. The plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the water. They can store carbon even better than trees on land. Seagrass roots hold the sandy sea floor in place so it does not wash away. Scientists are now planting new seagrass to replace meadows that have been damaged.

Fun Facts

• Seagrass is the only flowering plant that grows in the ocean.
• A single acre of seagrass can support thousands of fish.
• Seagrass meadows store carbon up to 35 times faster than rainforests.

Did You Know?

One kind of seagrass in Australia is thought to be over 4,500 years old, which may make it one of the oldest living things on Earth.