Ecosystem Services

4.5.5 Coastal defense
The eelgrass leaf canopy and the network of rhizomes and roots fix and stabilize the
sediment and reduce the resuspension of the sediment by currents and waves (Borum
et al. 2004). Sediments vegetated by eelgrass and other seagrasses are less likely to be
mobilized by waves and currents, so seagrasses reduce the erosion of the coastline
much in the same way as beachgrass stop drift of sand dunes. The restoration of sea
grass meadows has also been pointed out as one potential tool for preventing deterioration
of the service (Naturvårdsverket 2008). Accumulation of eelgrass leaves on the
beaches represents another way in protection of the shoreline (Borum et al. 2004).
However, there are still many uncertainties in the characterization and quantification
of the protection offered by seagrasses, which demands greater attention from
science if it is to be applied as a real adaptation option (Ondiviela et al. 2014).
4.6 Cultural services
4.6.1 Recreational fishing
Ecosystem services provided by the eelgrass biotope, like high biodiversity, shelter and
feeding ground for many species implies that the eelgrass meadows are popular fishing
sites for recreational fishing (Jackson et al. 2015). This is confirmed through numerous
fishing field guides, especially for sea trout, but also for many other fish species.
4.6.2 Tourism
Eelgrass meadows play a role in tourism by cleaning the water (eutrophication mitigation
and coastal defense) and boosting the biodiversity on sandy beaches and create
good sites for bathing and recreational fishing.
Beaumont et al. (2008) state that a significant component of leisure and recreation
in the UK, like bird watching, depend upon coastal marine biodiversity. With a loss of
marine biodiversity and decline in eelgrass beds, the value of this sector will decrease.
Ecosystem Services 63