Underwater meadows teeming with life
In shallow zones with calm waters, higher plants and algae form extensive underwater meadows rich in marine life.
This ecosystem is characterised by being less turbulent and receiving less light than surface waters, which directly influences the type of vegetation and the underwater landscape.
Light as a key factor in the underwater landscape
The progressive attenuation of light with depth triggers a change in vegetation. Species adapted to high light levels (photophilic) are gradually replaced by those that thrive in conditions of low light (sciaphilic).
In these algae beds we can find green algae that attach to the substrate by means of rhizoids, small root-like structures that keep them anchored to the seabed.
A seabed rich in organic matter
The accumulation of falling and decomposing leaves and fronds causes the seabed to become muddier, enriched with organic matter.
This process encourages the development of a diverse and dynamic marine community.
Shelter for fish and invertebrates
The fish fauna associated with this plant community includes around 50 species, among which gobies, blennies and rock mullet stand out.
Occasionally, these spaces are also visited by juveniles of coastal species, which find in the algae beds a safe shelter during their early stages of life.
