Marine plants are plants that grow under the sea or ocean, playing vital roles in keeping water oxygenated, protecting preys from predators, and providing food source for aquatic life. They are primary producers underwater. They convert the solar energy into carbon-rich biomass. Marine plants include floating plants and rooted plants. There are four common types of marine plants, including kelp, seagrass, red algae, and sargassum.
Kelp, a well known California coast marine plant, is a type of large brown algae that thrives in cool, shallow waters close to shore, where it can access sunlight for photosynthesis. They grow in dense “forests” that are vital for the survival of thousands of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals. Organisms such as seals, sea lions, whales, and cormorants, rely on these robust kelp structures to protect their young from predators and rough storms, and the forests even help dampen wave forces. Therefore, Kelp forests have high levels of biodiversity and removal of those, as found in one study in Norway, leads to a decline in total fish abundance. Kelp is also a nutritionally rich food source, filled with dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids and vitamins A, B, C, and E, making it a valuable food source. Beyond nutrition, kelp has applicationsi n aquaculture feed, bioplastics, and other materials. The growth of kelp farming is not only providing new jobs worldwide. They can also beused for aquaculuture feed, bioplastics and other materials. Kelp farming, a continually growing industry, provides new jobs across the world, and attracts snorkeling tourists, suggesting its economic impact as well. Kelp serves as a natural coastal defense, reducing wave sizes by up to 60% and acting as a barrier against tidal forces. It also combats ocean acidification by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, which helps increase pH levels and offers a refuge for sensitive marine species. Additionally, kelp forests are vital for carbon storage; they transform inorganic carbon into organic biomass that is integral to the carbon cycle. For example, in the eastern Canadian Arctic, the carbon stored in kelp forests is comparable to the annual emissions of over 5 million Canadians.
Seagrasses, underwater plants that evolved from land plants, are like terrestrial plants as they have leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, and connective tissues. However, they do not have strong stems to hold themselves up, but are supported by the buoyancy of the water that surrounds them. They are important food sources and habitats for wildlife, supporting a diverse community of organisms including fish, octopuses, sea turtles, shrimp, and oysters. They are also called the “lungs of the sea” because they release oxygen into the water through the process of photosynthesis. They are very sensitive to water quality and are an indicator of the overall health of coastal ecosystems. Therefore, pollution, sedimentation, excessive nutrients, storms, disease, and overgrazing by herbivores all pose threats to seagrasses. Seagrass are significant as they enhance marine diversity and abundance due to their complex habitats. They act as nutrient sinks on reef flats and near estuaries, filtering inputs and stabilizing sediments. These ecosystems are significant in nutrient cycling and raw product provision, with an estimated global value of $19,004 per hectare per year, a figure that would rise if additional habitat and food production services were considered.
Marine plants like kelp and seagrasses are integral to coastal and marine ecosystems, providing essential services from carbon sequestration to supporting diverse marine life. Kelp forests, rich in biodiversity, play a crucial role in coastal defense and nutrient cycling, while seagrasses, known as the "lungs of the sea," enhance water quality and serve as habitats for numerous species. Both plant types are economically valuable, supporting industries such as fisheries and tourism. Protecting these ecosystems is vital due to their ecological and economic importance, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to maintain their health and sustainability.
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