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Seagrass meadows are important sources of reef island-building sediment

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Seagrass meadows are important sources of reef island-building sediment

H. K. East, J. A. Johnson, et al.

This groundbreaking research conducted by Holly K. East, Jamie A. Johnson, Chris T. Perry, Grace Finlay, Azim Musthag, Hussein Zahir, and Matthew Floyd reveals the vital role of seagrass meadows in producing sediment for reef island building. With significant annual carbonate sediment production, this study underscores the importance of seagrass conservation in protecting vulnerable atoll nations.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
Low-lying atoll nations' vulnerability is linked to carbonate sediment production by marine organisms. Seagrass meadows, often near reef islands, have been overlooked as sediment sources. This study combines field, satellite, and sedimentological data to quantify sediment production by seagrass epibionts at Huvadhoo Atoll, Maldives. Total production was 853,000 ± 90,000 kg CaCO3 yr-1 over 1.1 km2, with 541,000 ± 23,000 kg CaCO3 yr-1 suitable for reef island building (sand-sized). This highlights seagrass meadows as significant sources of reef island-building sediment, supporting a strong argument for seagrass conservation.
Publisher
Communications Earth & Environment
Published On
Feb 14, 2023
Authors
Holly K. East, Jamie A. Johnson, Chris T. Perry, Grace Finlay, Azim Musthag, Hussein Zahir, Matthew Floyd
Tags
seagrass meadows
carbonate sediment
reef islands
sediment production
Huvadhoo Atoll
Maldives
conservation

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