Guardians of the Ocean: Why Coral Reefs and Seagrass Meadows Matter

In my painting Abundance, land and sea swirl together in a tapestry of colour and life. The piece is a reminder that all living things are connected, and that when we fail to care for every corner of the planet, the natural balance is disturbed.

Nowhere is that interdependence more evident than in coral reefs and seagrass meadows — two extraordinary ecosystems that support a vast variety of marine life and help keep our oceans healthy.

Coral reefs, sometimes called the rainforests of the sea, provide habitat for a huge array of fish, invertebrates and algae. They are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth and are closely connected to seagrass, mangrove and mudflat communities. Although they occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, reefs support an estimated 25 per cent of all marine life. They act as nursery grounds for countless species, help protect coastlines from storms and support fisheries that millions of people depend upon.

Seagrass meadows are equally vital. These underwater lawns cover less than 1 per cent of the ocean’s surface but play an important role in capturing and storing carbon. Seagrass can store carbon for decades, even centuries, by trapping sediments and organic matter. Some studies suggest that seagrass can sequester carbon many times faster than tropical rainforests.

These meadows also provide food and shelter for fish, sea turtles, manatees and other wildlife. They help stabilise sediments, protect coastlines from erosion and support the breeding grounds of many commercially important species, including cod, snapper and shrimp.

Both coral reefs and seagrass meadows are under severe pressure from pollution, warming oceans, nutrient runoff and physical damage. Around the world, seagrass habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate, while coral bleaching, ocean acidification and destructive fishing practices continue to threaten reefs.

Protecting these ecosystems means reducing carbon emissions, limiting harmful coastal development, improving water quality and supporting marine protected areas.

As you look at the rich colours and intricate patterns in Abundance, I hope you will also think of the real-world reefs and meadows that inspired such beauty. By advocating for their conservation, supporting organisations that restore coral and seagrass habitats, and making more eco-conscious choices in our daily lives, we can all help the guardians of the ocean continue to thrive.