Issue 118 - March 2025

These Underwater Meadows Capture More Carbon Than Forests — Here’s Why They Matter More Than You Think

By Maria Jose Castaneda.

Along the coasts of the world’s temperate and tropical oceans thrives a group of plants crucial in the fight against climate change: seagrass meadows. Although seagrasses are not as well-known as forests or jungles, these coastal ecosystems outperform their terrestrial counterparts in capturing and storing carbon, making them one of the most important tools we have to slow global warming.

Seagrass and coral reef, Lord Howe Island, Australia © Matt Curnock

Seagrasses are underwater plants found in shallow coastal waters around the world, stretching from the coasts of America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe to the Arctic, except for Antarctica. But what makes these meadows so effective against climate change?

Although they may seem like unremarkable marine plants, seagrasses are true climate superheroes. Some seagrass meadows can store up more carbon than tropical rainforests and jungles combined. According to the Environmental Justice Foundation, some seagrass meadows can store up to 30 times more carbon than a tropical rainforest. The article “Seagrass Ecosystems as a Globally Significant Carbon Stock” published in Nature Geoscience revealed that seagrass ecosystems can store up to ≈ 83,000 metric tons of carbon per square kilometer surpassing the 30,000 tons stored by terrestrial forests to the ≈ 30,000 tons stored by terrestrial forests.

Seagrass (Halodule uninervis) Wakatobi, Indonesia © Ben Jones

This biochemical process in which carbon is sequestered, assimilated, and stored in the oceans is known as “blue carbon.” Scientist and expert Christian Nellemann mentioned, “Just three habitats are really doing the heavy lifting: (1) seagrasses, (2) tidal marshes, and (3) mangroves,” highlighting the role of these three marine ecosystems in carbon capture and storage. Specifically, seagrass ecosystems have a superior capacity to sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). An interesting fact is that although seagrass meadows cover only a minimal surface of the ocean floor, they are responsible for more than 10% of the carbon captured annually in the world.

Seagrasses are not only important for carbon capture; the meadows also play a key role in maintaining ocean balance and supporting marine life. An example of this is their roots and rhizomes, which stabilize sediments, thereby reducing coastal erosion. Additionally, they help filter pollutants and recycle nutrients, primarily phosphorus and nitrogen, thus improving water quality. In addition to being a source of organic matter, seagrass meadows provide shelter and food for a wide range of benthic invertebrates, fish, reptiles, and mammals.

Sea turtle in seagrass, Australia © Jayne Jenkins

However, despite their vital role in coastal and global systems, these ecosystems are in danger. Species such as Phyllospadix japonicus, Halophila engelmanni, Zostera capensis, Zostera caulescens, Zostera asiatica, Zostera caespitosa, Zostera marina, Zostera noltii, Posidonia oceanica, Halophila hawaiiana, and many other species are disappearing. The current status of many of these species is unknown due to the lack of studies monitoring seagrass meadows. In the database of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, many of these species are classified as “data deficient” or “unknown” because there is insufficient information to assess their situation. According to the Global Seagrass Observing Network, approximately 30% of the world’s seagrass meadows have disappeared, although this figure could be even higher. Factors such as pollution, coastal development, fishing, ecological degradation, navigation, and climate-related impacts have accelerated this loss.

In places like Biscayne Bay in South Florida, the deforestation of coastal habitats has led to the mass die-off of seagrasses. “The northern part of Biscayne Bay has gone through 60 years of seagrass loss. It’s difficult to tell you how much seagrass we’ve lost in Southern Biscayne Bay because, largely in Southern Biscayne Bay, we’ve changed species,” says Florida International University seagrass specialist Jim Fourqurean. “There’s almost immeasurable value to the protection we get from it for the real estate that’s built up to the shoreline. They are incredibly valuable ecosystems. They’re not just pretty.”

So, why isn’t there more talk about seagrasses if they play such an important role in the world? Part of the reason is that before the 1990s, there were few studies related to these plants compared to their terrestrial counterparts. Fortunately, in recent years, priority has been given to the study of marine plants like seagrasses, which were previously thought to have little importance in the fight against global warming. Nowadays, with the concept of blue carbon, the focus has shifted to plants like seagrasses, mangroves, tidal marshes, and certain macroalgae, as their role in carbon capture, coastal protection, and their critical function in marine habitats is undeniable.

In some parts of the world, efforts are being made to restore seagrass meadows and revive these ecosystems. In Wales (UK), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Sky Ocean Rescue have been working with experts from Swansea University on restoration projects that involve dispersing seeds in areas where seagrass meadows once thrived. In Plymouth (UK), conservationists have founded a reforestation project in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Plymouth University, the Marine Biological Association, and Natural England, where large-scale seagrass meadow restorations are underway. In Africa, local communities in coastal regions are being engaged to educate people on the importance of conserving and restoring coastal ecosystems, including seagrasses. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, there are citizen science projects like “Seagrass Watch,” which involve continuous monitoring to track changes in the health of seagrass meadows.

Despite all the research and projects focused on these marine ecosystems, the future of seagrasses is uncertain. The drastic variations in environmental variables make it difficult for seagrasses to survive. Other factors, such as rising sea levels, increasing sea surface temperatures, and extreme weather events, degrade and destroy these critical habitats. Certainly, conservation efforts are few, and much remains to be done. Conservationists and scientists have called for greater protection of these organisms to ensure that seagrass meadows do not become extinct.

Snakelock anemone on seagrass, Isles of Scilly, UK © Michiel Vos

As the world confronts the negative consequences of climate change, seagrasses offer a ray of hope. The ability of seagrass meadows to capture, absorb, and store carbon is essential in the global fight to reduce carbon emissions. The future depends on us—on conserving and preserving our natural environment, the oceans, and with them, protecting these ecosystems before they disappear beneath the waves forever.

Related Topics:Ocean Literacy seagrasses stories from the sea

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Issue 118 - March 2025

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – March 2025 – Issue 118

These Underwater Meadows Capture More Carbon Than Forests — Here’s Why They Matter More Than You Think

Monmouth University Scientists Confirm New Invasive Species of Anemone in U.S. on New Jersey Beaches

A common inhabitant of the rocky coastlines of the British Isles and Northern Europe, the anemone has found a new home which bears some similarities – the jetties that protrude into the waters of the New Jersey Shore. The team located the anemones on a half-dozen beaches from Long Branch to Manasquan in Monmouth County. Read more…

Book Suggestion: The Wonder of Seashells – Discover the Meaning and Magic of the Ocean’s Treasures

There’s something magical about walking along the beach, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet, and spotting a seashell glistening in the sunlight. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the story behind that tiny treasure? The Wonder of Seashells is a beautifully illustrated and fascinating book that uncovers hidden meanings. Read more…

Ocean in Focus in Two Art Shows Through March

World-renowned photographer Ian Hutton, who is the curator of the Lord Howe Island Museum, and award-winning oil artist Selva Ozelli teamed up to bring a taste of Lord Howe Island Group with their art show titled “Paradise” to this inaugural Conference. Read more…

Working Backwards to Save The Sea

START One theory goes that human beings are psychologically incapable of caring about an event they’ve been told will be catastrophic but will happen far in the future. Without the tangible and the immediate, most of humanity muddles along and doesn’t fret about the future. Read more…

Plastic Makes Up 83% of South Florida’s Waste Pollution

Clean Miami Beach and The 5 Gyres Institute share findings from a seven-month waste audit in South Florida, which analyzed more than 20,000 items and highlights the alarming prevalence of single-use plastic waste across shorelines, urban neighborhoods, and wilderness spaces. Read more…

FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: Snow Leopard Key Takeaways

Over 100 people joined Journeys With Purpose from all over the world for our latest Wild Horizons conversation featuring renowned photographer and National Geographic explorer Mattias Klum and Behzad J Larry from the High Asia Habitat Fund. Read more…

Journeys With Purpose: A Journey to Grootbos, Where Nature and Community Thrive

FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: The True Meaning of Life

It is day 5 of my journey in Ladakh and I am standing at the entrance gate of Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh and reading these beautiful words by the H.H 14th Dalai Lama and they sink in more than they would have done 5 days previously. Read more…

Francisco Garcia’s Take on the Future of the Wild Azores & Its Most Sacred Ocean Places

São Miguel, the largest and most visited of the nine Azorean islands, serves as something of a gateway to the archipelago’s rich marine life. Its proximity to the mainland and exceptional opportunities for whale watching, scuba diving, and snorkeling make it a magnet for tourism. Read more…

Where Culture & Conservation Meet: Samuel Ceremony Mole’s Inside Look at the Randilen Wildlife Management Area

The Randilen Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located on the eastern border of Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, serves as a vital buffer zone for one of Africa’s most treasured ecosystems. Spanning 312 square kilometers, Randilen protects critical wildlife corridors and sustains the delicate balance. Read more…

Meeting Luke Senior: A Look Into How Rewilding is Reviving Argyll’s Iconic Ecosystems

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Dr Sylvia Earle & Hope Spot Champions Celebrate South Africa’s Marine Biodiversity & Diverse Cultural Connections

Two Oceans Aquarium hosted Mission Blue and Champions from the seven South African Hope Spots. Dr. Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue and a legendary marine biologist, joined the Hope Spot Champions in celebrating the growing South African Hope Spot network. Read more…

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The Sultans of Swag Versus Looking at Clouds from Both Sides Now

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Cover & banner photos: Snow leopard in in Tibet by Behzad J Larry

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Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

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Art & Culture

Four Art Shows at The UN Draw Attention to The Need to Protect Glaciers

By Selva Ozelli

It is fitting that after 2024 was confirmed as the hottest year on record, the United Nations (UN) declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, accompanied by the proclamation that March 21st of each year would be celebrated as World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025.

The hottest year on record, breaching the first year-long global warming threshold of 1.5°C, a key target set in the Paris Agreement, also witnessed the 150^{^ᵗʰ} year anniversary of the birth of artist Nicholas Roerich, who is known as “The Master of the Himalayan Mountains.” The Himalayas ⎯ the focus of Nicholas Roerich’s artwork ⎯ have approximately 15,000 glaciers that are melting and could lose as much as 80% of their mass by the end of the century as the Earth’s temperature rises, according to projections. The Himalayan glaciers are a vital source of water for the region’s rivers and communities of 1.65 billion people.

As the planet gets hotter, scientists warn that this signifies a potential “frightening new phase” and increased risks of severe climate change impacts, with our glaciers shrinking, making the water cycle and the currents in the oceans slower and more unpredictable according to studies. Glaciers are crucial for regulating the global climate and providing about 70% of the world’s freshwater. However, for billions of people, meltwater flows are changing, causing floods, droughts, landslides and sea level rise, subjecting countless communities and ecosystems to the risk of devastation.

Four art shows by award winning artists Alfons Rodriguez, Photographer and Filmmaker (Spain), Fatma Kadir (Turkiye), Semine Hazar (Turkiye) Selva Ozelli (USA) at the UN draw attention to the need to protect glaciers, during the high-level inaugural World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day events taking place at the UN in New York and Paris on 20-21^ᵗʰ March 2025.

The Melting Age by Alfons Rodriguez & Fatma Kadir at The National Lighthouse Museum (NLHM), Staten Island, NY

The National Lighthouse Museum (NLHM), which educates visitors about the history and technology of the nation’s lighthouses, will host its first Climate change-themed art show titled ”The Melting Age” from March 15^ᵗʰ to June 1^st, 2025, to celebrate the year of glaciers.

The Melting Age art show is made up of a film, by Alfons Rodriguez and Jose Bautista (Spain); photographs from 7 continents and 30 countries by Alfons Rodriguez (Spain); as well as oil paintings by Fatma Kadir (Turkiye) that depict the impact of Climate Change on our world.

“From hot to cold. It all seems like a grotesque game we force ourselves to play. This is unprecedented lunacy. In Greenland and Antarctica, melting ice caused by warming makes the planet’s sea levels rise, while cooling ocean currents influence wildlife and ecosystems. An excess of salt water contrasts with the waste of scarce drinking water aquifers: we use four liters of water to make one plastic bottle containing the same liquid, and this is quite a moderate proportion compared to other products. I thank the NLHM, Teiduma and Climate Heritage Network, and the UN for their support in bringing the Melting Age art show to the public during the glacier year. The Melting Age will be on exhibit at the tail end of the year during November and December at the Cunneen Hackett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY,” explained photographer and filmmaker Alfons Rodriguez.

Where Worlds Meet – Glaciers by Alfons Rodriguez and Fatma Kadir at the HMVC Gallery, NYC

On March 21^st, 2025 the Inaugural World Day for Glaciers, the HMVC Gallery in NYC will hold a 24 hour digital art show of their “Where Worlds Meet” exhibition which will include the mixed media Glaciers art work by photographer Alfons Rodriguez and artist Fatma Kadir at the jumbotron at Times Square, NYC located at 7^ᵗʰ Avenue between 47ᵗʰ – 46^ᵗʰ Streets.

“I am so excited that out mixed media art work titled Glaciers with Alfons will be seen by so many New Yorkers in Times Square on the first World Day for Glaciers. I thank HMVC Gallery, the Climate Heritage Network, the UN for their support in launching the Where Worlds Meet art show on March 21^st. It is a truly historic day, a historic event” said artist Fatma Kadir.

The Lighthouse at the End of the World, by Semine Hazar for CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong

Semine Hazar an award-winning oil artist of lighthouses explained “The inspiration behind my painting “The Lighthouse at the End of the World” was my trip to Argentina in 2017 when I firsthand witnessed the melting of the ice and with a great sound crash into the sea. This brought tears to my eyes. This lighthouse marks the last inhabitable point in South America. I imagined that soon we would be moving this lighthouse to the Antarctic. The Lighthouse at the End of the World painting is on exhibit at the world’s first climate change museum CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong. Later this year I will exhibit my “Lighthouses of the Hudson River” series during the year of Glaciers at the Cunneen Hackett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY from July to August followed by the National Lighthouse Museum Staten Island, NY from September to December 2025. I thank all museums, the Climate Heritage Network, and the UN for their unwavering support to bring my work to the public.”

Orcas & Glaciers by Selva Ozelli for CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change

“I made the Orcas & Glaciers art show for the world’s first climate change museum the CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong (MoCC) which launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). I contacted Cecilia Lam the Director of MoCC and asked her if she would be interested in an art show about the trapped pods of around a dozen orca whales by drift ice in waters off Japan’s northern island which I read about in the news during February of 2024. I was so upset painting these trapped orcas in drift ice caused by melting glaciers. I thank MoCC, Climate Heritage Network, Global Resilience Partnership, Oceanic Global, and the UN for their unwavering support,” explained Selva Ozelli.

Please share your content to celebrate the inaugural World Day for Glaciers at the UN HERE!

Issue 118 - March 2025

Journeys With Purpose: A Journey to Grootbos, Where Nature and Community Thrive

When I first arrived at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, I was immediately struck by its beauty. The rolling hills of fynbos, unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom, stretched as far as the eye could see, alive with color and fragrance. But what stayed with me most wasn’t just the stunning landscape – it was the inspiring work of the Grootbos Foundation, which quietly but powerfully transforms lives while protecting this precious ecosystem.

This visit also reminded me of the mission of Journeys With Purpose (JWP)—to celebrate and support the unknown heroes of conservation, the unsung champions whose dedication helps heal our planet. The Grootbos Foundation is a living testament to this ethos, showing what’s possible when passion and purpose unite.

A Mission Rooted in Purpose

The Grootbos Foundation was established in 2003, and its mission is as clear as the skies above the reserve: to conserve the Cape Floral Kingdom and uplift the local communities that call it home. Over the years, the Foundation has grown to protect more than 22,200 hectares of biodiverse landscape while reaching over 3,000 people annually through its initiatives. I had the chance to dive into their work, and it left me in awe.

Much like JWP, the Grootbos Foundation focuses on empowering the individuals and communities behind conservation success stories. These “unknown heroes” include researchers, educators, youth coaches, and local leaders, each contributing to the preservation of one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Empowering Through Education

One of the Foundation’s standout projects is Green Futures Education, a programme that offers training in conservation and ecotourism. I met a few of the participants, and their stories were incredible—people learning to cultivate indigenous plants, manage alien vegetation, and steward biodiversity. These are skills that don’t just provide jobs; they create careers that help heal the planet.

Standing in their indigenous nursery, surrounded by tiny fynbos plants destined to restore the land, I felt hopeful. It was clear that this isn’t just about education—it’s about empowerment, and each participant becomes a steward of conservation, carrying forward the mission of protecting nature.

The Science of Conservation

At the heart of Grootbos’ conservation efforts is their Green Futures Research Unit, where a team of scientists works to understand the intricate web of life in the fynbos biome. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to visit in person, I learned about their off-grid Environmental Centre, tucked deep in the reserve. It’s a hub of innovation, where botanists, ecologists, and even visiting researchers collaborate to protect this unique ecosystem.

These researchers are unsung heroes, much like those celebrated by JWP—dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to safeguard our natural world. Their passion and commitment form the backbone of effective conservation strategies.

Changing Lives Through Sport

One of the most heartwarming experiences during my visit was learning about the Foundation’s Sports Development Programme. I learned about young people whose lives have been transformed through sports—not just by learning how to play but by gaining essential life skills. This programme reaches thousands of kids each year, teaching everything from teamwork to mental health resilience.

I was especially moved by the stories of girls who found their voices and confidence through the Foundation’s female empowerment workshops. In communities where opportunities can be scarce, this programme is a game-changer, providing hope and inspiration in the most unexpected ways.

These youth leaders reminded me of the kind of transformative work JWP seeks to champion—stories of resilience, courage, and the belief that change starts with individuals empowered to make a difference.

Building a Green Economy

The Foundation’s focus on Enterprise Development is another powerful way it uplifts the community. I visited some of the small businesses they’ve supported, from green startups to mentorship programmes for women. These initiatives don’t just create jobs; they foster independence and resilience, giving people the tools to succeed in the long run.

One story that stayed with me was of a young woman I heard about, who started her own small enterprise after going through the Foundation’s training. I was told about her pride and determination, and I couldn’t help but feel inspired by her journey. She is the kind of hidden hero that both JWP and the Grootbos Foundation champion—someone quietly shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.

A Celebration of Fynbos

Before leaving Grootbos, I spent some time exploring the Grootbos Florilegium, a stunning collection of botanical art inspired by the fynbos. Each piece tells a story of the plants that make this region so special, and I learned that the sale of these artworks helps fund conservation and community art programmes.

It was a perfect reminder of how everything at Grootbos is interconnected—art, science, nature, and people, all working together to create something truly extraordinary. The artists contributing to the Florilegium are heroes in their own right, preserving the beauty of the fynbos for generations to come.

Why Grootbos and JWP Align

Leaving Grootbos, I couldn’t stop thinking about the incredible balance they’ve struck here. It’s a place where luxury tourism funds life-changing initiatives, where conservation and community upliftment go hand in hand. The Grootbos Foundation mirrors JWP’s mission by celebrating and empowering the often-overlooked champions of conservation.

If you ever have the chance to visit Grootbos, take it. It’s not just a place to experience nature—it’s a place to witness the power of what can happen when we work together to create a better world. And if you can’t make the trip, consider supporting their work. Every small action helps sustain this incredible legacy.

You can learn more about the Grootbos Foundation and how to get involved at www.grootbosfoundation.org.

This article was written by Sophie Gandet.

Journeys With Purpose offers immersive conservation and ethical travel experiences. Through private and hosted trips with pioneering conservationists, guests experience rewilding and restoring biodiversity in the wildest corners of the world. Our “Seven Worlds, One Planet” approach is a global curriculum focused on recovering and conserving vibrant landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across all seven continents.