Why underwater grasslands need our help

Innoceana and the ocean's green treasure

Why underwater grasslands need our help

If you are a diver, you probably remember the feeling of floating above a seabed covered with life. Sometimes it is not the corals or large pelagic fish that take our breath away, but an underwater grassland, gently swaying with the currents.

But did you know that these underwater meadows are disappearing at an alarming rate?

Much more than just scenery: the power of seagrass beds

At first glance, underwater meadows, such as seagrass beds (Cymodocea nodosa), may look like nothing more than green carpets under the water. But in reality, they are much more than that. These ecosystems are the lungs of the ocean and refuges for life.

They help capture CO₂ and combat climate change, clean the water by improving visibility (something we all appreciate when diving), and act as a natural barrier against coastal erosion. But perhaps most fascinating is their role as home to incredible biodiversity: fish, turtles, molluscs and many other species that make every dive special.

And they don't just benefit the underwater world. These meadows are also essential to coastal communities, as they serve as breeding grounds for many key species in artisanal fisheries.

The Gardeners of the Sea: restoring what the ocean needs.

Since 2018, the organisation Innoceana has been working to protect marine ecosystems through research, education and direct action. Its current project, Los Jardineros del Mar (The Gardeners of the Sea), seeks to restore seagrass beds in south-west Tenerife through a pioneering, respectful and replicable approach.

The process includes two main lines of restoration:

• The non-invasive collection of Cymodocea nodosa seeds, which are germinated in the laboratory until they are ready to be replanted in degraded areas.
• The collection of healthy flotsam, fragments of plants that wash up on the shore, which are carefully recovered and reintroduced into the sea, where they can take root again and contribute to the regeneration of the seagrass bed.

Thanks to these actions, Innoceana is working to establish the first seagrass restoration laboratory in Tenerife, a key step in conserving these essential ecosystems and serving as a model for future marine restoration initiatives.

And you, diver, what can you do?

As divers, we are privileged witnesses to the state of the sea. We have the responsibility and the power to give voice to what is happening below the surface. You can help by informing yourself, sharing these types of initiatives, avoiding anchoring on seagrass beds and supporting projects such as those of Innoceana.

Innoceana and TDS: A shared commitment

Some of the activities, such as the seagrass restoration laboratory, are carried out thanks to the collaboration between Innoceana and TDS (Technical Dive System). Thanks to this equipment, the team can operate quickly and efficiently, fulfilling their commitment to protect the ocean.