ABSTRACT
Anyone who spends time in and around tropical marine waters cannot help but notice the vast meadows of underwater plants that typically occupy much of the shoal area. Viewed from above the water, the variegated patterns of green reflect the plant community’s sweeping systematic structure, but looking below the water surface with mask and snorkel, one is struck by the finescale complexity of this habitat. Waves generated by tropical breezes cause the ribbon-like leaves to undulate in oblique oscillating motions. Against this pulsating emerald backdrop, the darting movements of fish and spineless creatures within and around the plants create the sense of a wellchoreographed dance ensemble. Indeed, there is an ageless allure that has always drawn fishermen, scientists, and sunburned visitors to these seagrass meadows. While perhaps initially drawn by the beauty of these vegetated environs, it does not take an expert’s eye to see that these are also important habitats, which nourish, protect, and congregate their abundant tropical animal resources.
