STUDY: Ocean meadows scrub seawater of harmful bacteria
Seagrasses keep waterborne pathogens in check, potentially benefiting people and coral reefs. Seagrass meadows are the most widespread coastal ocean ecosystems in the world. Research now finds that these plants can reduce the load of disease-causing bacteria such as Enterococcus in the surrounding seawater by up to 50%. What’s more, coral reefs also show a 50% reduction in disease when seagrasses live nearby. The meadows act as nurseries that shelter young animals, and provide permanent homes for...