We Welcome the Inaugural World Seagrass Day

You may have heard the phrase “Every dog has its day.” The idea is that everyone will at some point have a significant success or good luck in their lives. That day has finally arrived for seagrass. And we’re not being flippant; seagrass plays a vital role in the environmental balance of our planet, which we all know is under threat. In May 2022, the United Nations General Assembly agreed to and proclaimed March 1 as World Seagrass Day. The resolution was adopted to highlight the urgent need for not only awareness, but also action to conserve seagrasses the world over.

Seventy-two species of seagrass grow in meadows in 159 countries and cover more than 116,000 square miles. Yet that’s only around 70% of what existed prior to the late 19th century. Its ability to store carbon — up to 18% of the world’s oceanic carbons — makes it a vital part of the marine ecosystem, and thereby the entire planet’s ecosystem.

In addition, seagrass provides food for a host of marine life including plankton, turtles, fish and manatees. It also provides protection for small and newly hatched marine life, and helps preserve and improve water quality.

We found this video that gives a quick overview of seagrass’s role in earth’s ecosystems.

So just when you thought the only thing exciting about today was the new issue of Latitude 38 magazine, you now have another reason to celebrate! Seriously though, we support this proclamation and hope it adds to the world’s growing awareness and actions regarding our own human-footprint.

Learn more here.