Seagrass Conservation
Protecting the Underwater Forests of Our Oceans
Known as the "forests of the sea," seagrass is the only flowering marine plant that grows entirely underwater. It provides vital nursery grounds and shelter for a wide variety of marine species, while also serving as one of the world's most important Blue Carbon ecosystems by absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, seagrass meadows in Korea have been steadily declining due to coastal development, marine pollution, and deteriorating water quality.
To help reverse this trend, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium works with partner organisations, including the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation (KOEM), the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA), and the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), to conserve and restore seagrass habitats. Our efforts include cultivating seagrass under controlled conditions, researching optimal growing conditions, and transplanting healthy seagrass into natural habitats to help restore damaged coastal ecosystems.
Healthy seagrass meadows are essential for supporting marine biodiversity and maintaining resilient coastal ecosystems. Through scientific research and long-term conservation initiatives, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium is committed to restoring these underwater forests and helping protect our oceans for future generations.
1. Indoor Cultivation & Research
Scientific Research for Healthier Underwater Forests
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium was the first institution in Korea to achieve the long-term husbandry and indoor cultivation of seagrass. Building on this achievement, we continue to develop reliable propagation techniques and study the environmental conditions needed for healthy growth. By analysing factors such as water temperature, light levels, and sediment conditions, we are able to cultivate healthy seagrass under controlled conditions.
We also continuously monitor seagrass growth and survival rates, applying the knowledge gained through research to our conservation programmes. These efforts help secure healthy plants for habitat restoration projects and establish a sustainable foundation for long-term seagrass conservation.
2. Habitat Restoration
Restoring the Underwater Forest
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium is researching methods to successfully transplant seagrass cultivated indoors back into its natural habitat. Working in collaboration with partner organisations, we assess suitable environmental conditions for seagrass growth and evaluate ways to help transplanted seagrass establish and survive successfully in the wild.
Seagrass meadows provide essential breeding grounds and shelter for a wide variety of marine life while also capturing and storing carbon, making them a vital part of healthy coastal ecosystems. Through ongoing research and collaboration, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium is building the foundation for future seagrass meadow restoration and the long-term recovery of marine habitats.
3. Education & Public Awareness
Inspiring People to Protect the Ocean’s Forests
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium offers a variety of educational programmes to help people understand the ecological importance of seagrass and the vital role of Blue Carbon ecosystems. Through activities for schools and local communities, we explain how seagrass supports marine life and why protecting healthy coastal ecosystems is essential, helping future generations appreciate the value of the ocean’s underwater forests.
We also showcase Korea’s only living seagrass display, allowing visitors to explore the unique ecosystem it supports and discover the diverse marine species that depend on it. Through exhibitions and education, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium continues to raise awareness of the importance of healthy coastal ecosystems and inspire more people to help protect seagrass for the future.
4. Habitat Clean-up Activities
Protecting Healthy Seagrass Habitats
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium carries out habitat clean-up activities to remove litter and marine debris from coastal areas and underwater environments where seagrass grows. Marine debris can hinder the growth of seagrass and damage the habitats that support a wide variety of marine species.
Through these clean-up efforts, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium helps maintain healthy coastal ecosystems and contributes to the conservation of thriving habitats where seagrass and marine life can flourish together.
| Year | Location | Conservation Activity | Partner Organisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium – Local Zone | Designated as an Ex-situ Conservation Institution for Marine Protected Species. Established an indoor habitat for seagrass conservation and initiated research into artificial propagation. | Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation (KOEM) |
| 2022 | SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium – Local Zone | Achieved Korea’s first long-term cultivation and successful vegetative propagation of seagrass. | - |
| 2023 | Seonchon Village Marine Protected Area, Tongyeong | Korea’s first successful transplantation of indoor-cultivated seagrass into its natural habitat. Seagrass propagated in the research facility was transplanted into a marine protected area, alongside a beach clean-up activity with local residents and students. | - |
| 2024 | Mundong-ri Inner Harbour, Gijang, Busan | Achieved Korea’s first successful indoor natural flowering of seagrass. Transplanted 20 indoor-cultivated seagrass plants into a designated coastal test site and continued research on their adaptation in the natural environment. | - |
| 2025 | Donggori Seagrass Meadow, Wando, Jeollanam-do | Conducted underwater and coastal clean-up activities to protect Blue Carbon habitats, removing approximately 100 kg of discarded fishing gear and marine plastic waste from around the seagrass meadow. | Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA), South Sea Headquarters |
| 2026 | Mundong-ri, Gijang, Busan | Ongoing research into the establishment and expansion of naturally transplanted, indoor-cultivated seagrass meadows. | - |
