The Ecological and Economical Importance of Seagrass

Introduction Seaweed is declining worldwide and is a very important marine ecosystem found in shallow water areas mainly distributed in tropical waters and the temperature is between 4 ° C and 24 ° C (Green and Short 2003) . They are the only true flowering plants (angiosperms) that live under aquatic conditions and provide support and habitat for many species (Orth et al. 2006; Jackson et al. 2001). They are marine aquatic plants and are important species found in many coastal areas around the world (Libralato, Christensen, Pauly, 2006).

Seaweed is a marine plant thought to be an important part of coastal ecosystem. Smithsonian Marine Station (2003) of Fort Pierce pointed out that seaweed supports high biodiversity. "As they are sensitive to changes in water quality, they have been recognized as an important indicator species that reflects the overall health of coastal ecosystems." Seagrasses have been identified as oceans including several endangered species such as West India Manatee Provide habitat for many different species of creatures. In addition, they provide sediment stability and help to contribute to the carbon budget (Lirman and Cropper, 2003)

US Geological Survey's scientific support strategy in Biscayne National Park and its surrounding areas in the southeast Florida

Three habitats peculiar to the subtropical continental shelf: mangrove, seaweed ground, coral reef. Among them, the US Geological Survey is conducting the most extensive research on coral reefs. The linkage between these habitats is widely recognized (Ogden and Gladfelter, 1983) and many ecologically and economically important species use some of their life history for multiple habitats ing. Seaweed beds and mangroves are a breeding ground for various popular fish (flute, sizzle, grouper) and lobster (Panulirus argus). Many coral reef fish (Ogrey Shark, French Links, Stripe Parrot, Rainbow Parrot) show more biomass along coral reefs near mangrove habitats than mangrove-removed coral reefs (Mumby et al., 2004)) Seaweed seaweed beds stabilize sediments and provide feeding habitat for many commercially important coral reef species

US Geological Survey's scientific support strategy in Biscayne National Park and its surrounding areas in the southeast Florida

Coral reefs often rely on habitats such as seaweed pastures and mangroves for nutrients. Seaweed and mangroves supply dead plants and nitrogen-rich animals that feed fish and animals from coral reefs by providing trees and vegetation. Coral reefs, on the other hand, protect mangroves and seaweeds from the waves and produce sediments with mangroves and seaweed rooted. Coral reefs form a part of the world's most productive ecosystem and provide complex and diverse marine habitats that support a variety of other creatures. Coral reefs under the low tide have mutually beneficial relationships with mangroves at high tide and seaweed grassland between them. Coral reefs protect mangrove and seaweed from strong flow and waves, destroy them and erode sediments. . Roots of deep mangrove and seaweed protect coral from large amounts of silt, fresh water and pollutants.