With the introduction of our new mango beach products, not only will you be ready to make some waves — you’ll also be working with us to support the SeaGrass Grow Campaign a project of the Ocean Foundation. For order of Mango Beach products, $1 will be donated to the SeaGrass Grow campaign of The Ocean Foundation. We are proud to make positive contributions to the environment, and you allow us to do so with every purchase. Below you’ll find more information about seagrass and why we choose to support its replanting along our coasts.
Seagrasses are flowering plants that can form expansive seagrass meadows in the shallow waters of coast lines. Found along every continent except Antarctica, their functions in the environment are numerous. According to the Smithsonian, they “… evolved around 100 million years ago, and today there are approximately 72 different seagrass species that belong to four major groups. Seagrasses can form dense underwater meadows, some of which are large enough to be seen from space. Although they often receive little attention, they are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world.”
Minimizing our Carbon Impact
According to The Ocean Foundation website, seagrass habitats are 35x more effective at sequestering carbon via increased uptake and storage than the Amazon rainforest. This means seagrass can absorb the carbon we humans emit everyday through our lifestyle, even when underwater, helping balance the changing acidity of the oceans and minimizing atmospheric carbon.
For every $100 donated, we can offset 10 tons of carbon. It’s a powerful way to have an impact and one that we’re sure your own customers will respond to as well.
Positive Impact on Habitats
Seagrass meadows are the breeding grounds for many sea creatures who rely on them for breeding and feeding. A majority of juvenile species live in these meadows, which in turn are the food source for much of the world’s seafood. Up to 40,000 fish and 50 million small invertebrates (think oysters and crabs) can live in just 1 acre of seagrass meadow.
Seagrass can also provide protection from erosion, preserving shoreline habitats. This matters in storms where the meadows help reduce surges and dissipate wave energy. They also help keep water clean and clear by filtering pollution, increasing tourism and food security via fishing.
Financial Impacts
As mentioned, seagrasses sustain our seafood, and the meadows preserve shoreline integrity and beauty to promote tourism. The ocean foundation notes that “for every $1 invested in coastal restoration projects, $15 in net economic benefits is created.” It’s not only environmentally sound, but financially sound to invest in these underwater habitats.
The Decline of Seagrass
Seagrass is being lost at a staggering rate, and the loss is speeding up every year. Currently 2-7% of global seagrass meadows and other coastal wetlands are lost every year, painting a grim picture of the future.
Seagrasses really are integral to so much life on earth. Preserving them is worthwhile to not only continue the livelihood of other species but to minimize our own impact on the planet. We can even improve the economic systems surrounding coastlines by preserving and expanding seagrass meadows. We thank you for your support. Together we can positively impact our shared global ecosystem. We hope you have a great day at the beach sometime soon!
