Green, Green Grass

There are vast natural 'meadows' of sea grass in the shallow waters of many coastal areas. These nondescript-looking plants, carry out a number of functions, such as improving water quality, absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, as well as acting as 'nurseries' for juveniles of many fish species. They now appear to have another action. The grasses produce 'Neptune's balls', that roll on to the beaches adjacent to the meadows. Researchers, in Spain, have found that these balls trap circa 900 million plastic items per year in their Mediterranean region (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/15/seagrass-neptune-balls-sieve-millions-of-plastic-particles-from-water-study-finds). This sieving action is helpful in removing plastic contamination from shallow waters. It is, however, unclear whether the plastics damage the sea grasses or the organisms living in the meadows. Another good reason for reducing plastic pollution of our seas.