Warming Temperatures Threaten Valuable Seagrass Habitats in Gulf of Mexico and Texas Due to Sea Level Rise

A recent report showed that warming temperatures and sea level rise threatened the valuable seagrasses in the Gulf of Mexico and Texas. The research findings were published in Communications Earth and Environment. 

According to a Smithsonian report, seagrasses are crucial for marine fisheries and biodiversity, thriving in brackish and shallow waters. It also protects animals and sea anemones (non-moving organisms). The contribution of seagrass is being recognized as the third most valuable ecosystem that benefits the planet.

In addition, seagrasses are essential due to the following:

• mitigating climate change
• absorbing carbon dioxide

As a result, the decline of seagrasses could have devastating impacts on marine ecosystems and fight against alarming climate change.

Warming Temperatures Effects on Seagrasses

In a recent report, researchers raised concerns about the impacts of sea level rise and warm water conditions on seagrass habitats in the region. Understanding the problem will help provide new insights into conservation and protection efforts. The recent findings were published in Communications Earth & Environment.

The researchers analyzed the 30-year report observations, showing that sea level rise can potentially cause the declining habitats of seagrasses. The study observed the area at Laguna Madre, next to Padre Island. The researchers who conducted the study are from the following:

• Ken Dunton, who is a professor at the University of Texas at Austin
• Kyle Capistrant-Fossa, a doctoral student

"We were surprised to see that under all sea level rise scenarios, newly flooded land was greater than lost habitat. The study emphasizes the importance of long-term, multidecadal studies that capture the often slow and insidious effects of climate change on some of our most valued ecological systems," Capistrant-Fossa said, as quoted in a report at UT News.

In addition, the researchers highlighted that sea-level rise impacted the vegetation, causing the seagrass to slowly disappear at the Upper Laguna Madre. The research showed that there are about 60 species of seagrasses that help sustain aquatic life.

However, the report explained that the plant expansion would help in the recovery of seagrasses that were impacted by warming conditions and sea-level rise, especially for seagrasses with limited areas.

As a result, mitigating global warming is crucial to preventing the potential damage to seagrass populations and habitats.

Also Read: Texas Suffers From Decline in Groundwater Resources, Dry Springs That Could Impact Ecosystem

Decline of Groundwater Resources in Texas

In the latest NWN report, researchers found that Texas suffered from declining groundwater resources and dry springs. The decline in water could affect the region's ecosystem.

Using historical maps and satellites, the study discovered the concerning state of dry springs experiencing dry conditions. Water security can likely be affected in the region.

Related Article: Pacific Northeast Vulnerability to Wildfire Risk Doubled by 2035, New Report Warns

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