Our education team are at it again, finding all sorts of treasures along the coast. This one hails from the Corio Bay but is also an important component of the complex marine ecosystem. Environmental Education Leader Hilary Bouma explains:
Seagrass helps bind the sea bed of bays and estuaries and help make up habitats and food sources for some of our favourite marine wildlife.
They are perfect place for seahorses, worms, crabs and more to live in and act a bit like a nursery for baby fish such as King George Whiting.
Seagrass are true plants and unlike sea weeds and algae, seagrasses have leaves, roots and viens, and produce flowers and seeds.
As the seagrass leaves decompose, they wash ashore and dry out where the wind then starts to blow them around. This is how these amazing fibrous ball form on beaches and inlets.
Seagrasses are particularly threatened by agriculture, human disturbance and in some areas, harvesting for mats.
Hilary said it was common to find smaller seagrass balls along the coast, but this one was especially large due to the sheltered Corio Bay.
“I always find it a real treat when you go outside and explore nature and find something a little out of the ordinary.
“It’s hard not to share something that has such an important influence on our marine and looks this amazing too,” she said.
The Great Ocean Road Coast want everyone to love, protect and enjoy our beautiful coast as much as we do, so we offer schools, groups and individuals of all ages opportunities to learn more about the coast and coastal environments.
Our Environmental Education Leaders are passionate about the coastline and natural environment. Find out more about how you can join our FREE environmental education programs on our website.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 