Episode 203: Seagrasses and Mangroves
They are an ancient species of flowering plants that grow submerged in all of the world’s oceans. Seagrasses link offshore coral reefs with coastal mangrove forests. Today, these “prairies of the sea,” along with mangroves, are on the decline globally. Scientists fear the diminishing vegetation could result in an ecosystem collapse from the bottom of the food chain all the way to the top. Changing Seas joins experts in the field as they work to restore Florida’s important mangroves and seagrasses.
Known as “hotspots of biodiversity,” seagrasses and mangroves attract and support a variety of marine life. However, worldwide damage and removal of these plants continue at a rapid pace. Changing Seas travels along Florida’s coastline to get a better understanding of the significant roles mangroves and seagrasses play within the state. Can biologists prevent a negative ripple-effect throughout the marine food web before it’s too late? How will rising sea levels impact these plants as well at the communities that depend on them?
Experts
Meet the experts featured in this episode.
Special Thanks:
Miami Dive Stop
16604 NE 2 Avenue
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 940-0927
Port of the Islands Marina
525 Newport Drive
Naples, FL 34114
(239) 642-3133
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
300 Tower Road
Naples, Florida 34113
Tel: (239) 417-6310
Image Credits
Changing Seas would like to thank the following individuals and institutions who kindly allowed their footage, images and other media to be used in this production:
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve
Biscayne National Park
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
NOAA Ocean Media Center
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Funding for this episode of Changing Seas was provided by:
