Seagrass are the ‘grasses’ at the bottom of the sea that tickle your feet, which many avoid when swimming and some dislike, because it turns the water a dark colour. This is also the plant that can be found along the beach, brown once dry, a thick rug by the sea. Some believe that this makes the beach ‘dirty’, but seagrass is actually a sign that the water is clean, and it is completely natural! Seagrass is a marine plant (not algae) and is incredibly sensitive to pollution. It is extremely common in the Mediterranean sea.
The sea grass bed is essential part of the marine ecosystem. It is the lungs of the Mediterranean, a nursery and place to live. By reducing the swell and slowing down underwater currents, it protects and limits coastline retreat. Sea grass retreats over the years. The pretty turquoise water is due to a sandy sea bed. Sometimes this is natural, but it can mean that the sea grass has disappeared. It is vital that we protect sea grasses. For example, in some areas, it is forbidden for boats to drop anchor or for bathers to swim. Its conservation is everyone’s business.