It is a national campaign promoted by the center of marine science at the University of Algarve and the Lisbon Oceanarium.
The marine meadows are vital as they provide habitat for flora and fauna of marine ecosystems. Function as a refuge from predators for various species in the larval and juvenile states and to support the postures, such as cuttlefish and conch. They are a true biological filter because they absorb nutrients from the water and increase the sedimentation of suspended matter and sediments, and contribute considerably to water quality in estuaries of the rivers and beaches. Furthermore, sand beds stabilize and prevent the movement of sediments, controlling coastal erosion to dissipate energy from waves and currents.
The marine meadows are considered one of the most productive systems of the biosphere and play an active role in minimizing the phenomenon of global warming, since they fix carbon, reducing an amount of atmospheric CO2. Hence the need to create a campaign that seeks to promote the conservation over several parts of the coast is Portuguese, because of the threat to these habitats in decline as the result of pollution of the seas and trawling. By adopting a marine prairie you are contributing to these unique ecosystems that are under surveillance and protected. On the other hand, it also allows them to develop materials and educational activities to the public in general and for children, so that the new generations are more sensitive to their overall importance. Simply browse the map of this marine habitat nearest your residence, by the link provided at the end of this text.
