Become a seagrass spotter
And contribute to a valuable citizen science project.
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that thrive in shallow waters all over the world. They form dense underwater meadows that are vital to both ecosystems and human communities. They support food security through fish production, enhance water quality by acting as natural filters, protect coastlines from erosion, storms, and flooding, and play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and storage.
However, despite their importance, seagrass meadows are threatened. Around 20% of global seagrass meadows have already been lost and recent estimates reveal persistent declines of 1%–2% per year.
Project Seagrass is a UK registered charity that has been set up to help conserve and restore seagrass meadows, and anyone who is spending any time near the sea can help. Simply download the Seagrass Spotter app and register any seagrass you see – as well as any locations where there used to be seagrass but isn’t anymore.
Languages United, an accredited GSS member in the UK, is even encouraging their host families to take part in this ‘citizen science project’ which is a great initiative and one that the entire global teaching industry could follow.
You could also talk about seagrasses with your students. The opportunities for meaningful language practice are endless.
