MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)

Just beneath the tranquil coastal waters of Abu Dhabi lies a thriving ecosystem of seagrass meadows.

These underwater plants, dubbed the "lungs of the sea," are crucial for the health of the marine ecosystem in the Arabian gulf.

Three species of seagrass flourish in the waters surrounding Abu Dhabi: Halodule uninervis, Halophila ovalis, and Halophila stipulacea.

Among these, Halodule uninervis stands out as the most dominant, covering over 60% of the seagrass landscape.

Speaking with Aletihad, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) explained why these plants are essential for the ecological balance of the region.

Why Seagrass Matters
 By absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, seagrass contributes significantly to the marine oxygen supply-about 10 litres of oxygen per square meter daily, according to the Smithsonian Institute.

However, this data is not the same for all species of seagrasses; those with larger, broader leaves tend to produce more oxygen than those with smaller, narrower leaves.

Additionally, water clarity plays a big role in this physiological function, EAD explained.

Beyond oxygen production, seagrass meadows provide essential support for commercial fisheries, serve as nurseries for fish, and offer food for herbivorous marine megafauna such as dugong and adult green sea turtles.

They also provide vital habitats for sharks and rays, in addition to maintaining water clarity.

Moreover, these plants stabilise the coastline by trapping and binding sediments within their root systems and play a major role in carbon sequestration as a blue carbon ecosystem.

According to EAD, seagrass meadows are globally recognized for their impressive carbon sequestration rates.

Remarkably, they contribute over 10-18% of the ocean's total carbon storage, despite covering only about 0.1 to 0.2% of the ocean.

Looming Threats
EAD pointed out that coastal and offshore developments that involve dredging, land filling, and dust storms pose serious threats to seagrasses in Abu Dhabi and worldwide.

High turbidity created by these anthropogenic activities leads to the smothering of these habitats, blocking sunlight and impairing their ability to photosynthesis.

"Climate change might also start impacting seagrasses; while unlike corals, seagrasses are more resilient and can withstand higher temperatures, if we continue to see surging water temperatures, this might change," EAD noted.

Conversation Efforts
 Recognising the critical importance of seagrass for wildlife, biodiversity and climate mitigation, EAD has implemented various conservation strategies.

As a natural ecosystem that supports threatened marine species such as dugong, green sea turtles, sharks and rays, seagrasses are protected by federal law 23 and 24 (1999).

All marine protected areas (MPAs) in Abu Dhabi host a diverse range of habitats, including seagrasses, within their demarcation.

"These MPAs were mapped out with the intention of supporting and protecting these habitats especially seagrasses, because these beds are the reason we can boast about having the second largest population of Dugongs in the world" EAD stated.

These seagrass beds have vast extensions outside of the designated MPAs, where they are also protected.

EAD noted that any developmental project that impacts seagrass directly or indirectly goes through stringent permitting protocols.

The Seagrass Breakthrough 2030
H.E. Mariam Almehri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, formally announced that the UAE had joined the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough, during her remarks at the COP28 Core Nature Day Event on December 9.

The 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough, a collaborative effort between the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi and the UN High-Level Climate Change Champions, aims to establish a collective framework of action for the conservation, restoration, and protection of global seagrass ecosystems.

EAD is a partner to this initiative and provides scientific and technical advice to ensure meeting its deliverables.

Get Involved

Community involvement is crucial for the continued protection of these underwater meadows, according to EAD.

Individuals can contribute to conservation efforts by participating in marine awareness programs or taking part in conservation and restoration initiatives.

Simply refraining from polluting marine and coastal ecosystems with debris, plastic, or waste can have a significant impact.