World Seagrass Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Seagrass Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Seagrass Day is observed on March 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Seagrass Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you ought to know about World Seagrass Day.

📅 What day is World Seagrass Day 2024?

In 2024, World Seagrass Day is on Wednesday, March 1st. It is the 1st Wednesday in March; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all fascinating details and facts about March 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

World Seagrass Day is celebrated annually on March 1st to raise awareness about the significance of seagrass and its integral role in marine ecosystems. This day was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly on May 22, 2022, following a resolution put forth by Sri Lanka emphasizing the conservation of seagrass in coastal regions. Seagrass, a flowering plant found along the coastlines of all countries, serves as a vital food source for marine creatures and contributes to the maintenance of clean water.

📜 World Seagrass Day History

Seagrass emerged around 100 million years ago when most plant life was still underwater. It has adapted to thrive in various marine habitats, moving with the currents and spreading pollen through the water.

Seagrass plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems as it provides food for a wide range of creatures including fish, turtles, manatees, plankton, and even sharks. It also serves as a nursery habitat for commercially important fish species and helps improve water quality in its surroundings. Currently, there are 72 known types of seagrass covering approximately 300,000 square kilometers in 159 countries.

In terms of carbon storage, seagrass deposits contain a significant amount of organic carbon, with estimates ranging from 4,200 to 8,400 Tg. This makes seagrass beds even more carbon-dense than terrestrial soil. As climate change continues, the role of seagrass as a carbon sink becomes increasingly vital for supporting marine life and preserving the environment. Remarkably, seagrass can store up to 18% of the world’s ocean carbon, surpassing the capabilities of rainforests. Its contribution to combating climate change is therefore substantial.

Unfortunately, human activities pose a significant threat to seagrass and other marine resources. According to a United Nations assessment, about 7% of seagrass ecosystems are lost every year worldwide, equivalent to losing a football field of seagrass every half hour.

To raise awareness and promote the conservation of seagrass globally, the United Nations declared World Seagrass Day following a resolution by Sri Lanka. The day was officially announced in 2022 as a means to highlight the importance of maintaining and protecting seagrass worldwide.

✅ World Seagrass Day Facts

🔖 An effective carbon absorber
Seagrass has the remarkable ability to absorb carbon at a rate that is 35 times faster than the Amazon Rainforest.

🔖 The sun gives life to all
Seagrass, similar to other grass-like plants, requires ample sunlight to survive. As a result, it is commonly found in areas with higher levels of light and at greater depths.

🔖 Millions depend on seagrass underwater
Seagrass is a crucial habitat that provides nourishment and sustenance to a wide variety of marine creatures, including manatees, sea turtles, shellfish, and plankton. Approximately 70% of all marine life relies on seagrass for their survival.

👍 Why Is World Seagrass Day Important

Seagrass is critical to the survival of both marine and human ecosystems. Its function as a carbon sink aids in the absorption of carbon particles from the surface and the sea, improving the quality of the water and the lives of those who live nearby.

Aside from environmental benefits, seagrass also helps the economy. Businesses that rely on seagrass benefit from its quantity and high quality. Fish taken in seagrass-rich settings are often healthier.

What would our waters look like without seagrass? They would undoubtedly be barren, affecting all living things on the globe.

🙂 How To Observe World Seagrass Day

⚡ Visit the shore

⚡ Read about seagrass
One of the most effective ways to gain knowledge about seagrass, its role, and the challenges it faces is by consulting reliable sources. To expand your understanding of seagrass, it is recommended to explore articles, books, and reports authored by marine scientists, conservation organizations, and similar institutions.

⚡ Support seagrass charities
Visit the shore and enjoy the seagrass-covered swells. Spend time at the beach, swim in the ocean, and look for different types of seagrass. After all, seagrass contributes to the scenic and natural appearance of the scene.

📅 When is World Seagrass Day?

View all 🔗 March holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Conservation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about World Seagrass Day. So be sure to check back soon.