
Seagrasses may not always steal the spotlight like coral reefs or mangroves, but these underwater meadows play an extraordinary role in keeping our marine ecosystems thriving. From stabilizing coastlines to acting as powerful carbon sinks, seagrasses are vital yet often overlooked.
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In this conversation, we speak with Dr. Ow Yan Xiang, a marine biologist dedicated to the conservation and restoration of seagrass meadows. With years of experience studying these aquatic plants, Dr. Ow sheds light on how seagrasses protect our shores, provide crucial habitats for marine life, and contribute to climate resilience.
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We’ll explore:
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How seagrasses support biodiversity, from tiny seahorses to endangered dugongs
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Their role in maintaining water quality and buffering against coastal erosion
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Why seagrasses are considered one of the most effective carbon stores on the planet
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The challenges they face, from coastal development to climate change
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How conservation and restoration efforts are helping to safeguard these critical ecosystems
Join us as we dive into the underwater world of seagrasses and uncover why protecting them is key to a healthy, functioning coastline.
Dr. Ow Yan Xiang, Marine Biologist
Dr Ow Yan Xiang is a marine biologist with the Tropical Marine Science Institute in National University of Singapore. She really likes seagrasses – which are marine flowering plants (i.e. not seaweed!) – and has been studying them for >10 years. These innocuous looking marine ‘turfs’ can contribute much to the healthy functioning of our coastlines, but are facing threats from both global climate change and local environmental stressors. Hence, Dr Ow wants to contribute to the science that shapes the conservation and restoration of seagrass meadows.
Register Here ​
Wild Conversations: Dive into the Green
Date: Thursday, 20 March 2025
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Location: Strangers Lounge, #02-38D, 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace
Entry Fee: Min. $5 donated to Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
More information on them can be found at www.spca.org
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