The Unseen Guardians of Lamma’s Coast

As I stood on Hong Kong’s Lamma Island, watching the tide reveal a patchwork of greenery, I felt a sense of awe at nature’s resilience. Beneath the waves, seagrass has been quietly accumulating carbon at an astonishing rate – 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. However, its decline has left local biodiversity reeling.

Over two decades, seagrass coverage in Hong Kong’s waters has plummeted by a staggering 60 per cent. This decline is mirrored across the region, where coastal populations are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Green sea turtles, which rely on seagrass for sustenance, have seen their sightings dwindle from 17 in 2019 to just seven in 2025.

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) are working with island residents to plant more seagrass. “Seagrasses are the ultimate underwater superheroes,” says Juan Diego Gaitan-Espitia, an associate professor of biological sciences at HKU. Without these quiet champions, the global fight against climate disruption will be severely hindered.

The connection between seagrass and carbon sequestration is well-documented, but its role in supporting marine biodiversity cannot be overstated. Seagrass beds provide crucial habitat for countless species, from juvenile fish to nesting sea turtles. Their loss has far-reaching consequences, not just for the health of our oceans, but also for coastal communities.

The degradation of marine ecosystems worldwide is a symptom of larger problems: pollution and over-exploitation of our oceans. As we continue to pollute and exploit our oceans, we risk losing these vital “underwater superheroes.” The implications are dire – not just for the environment, but also for human well-being. Coastal populations will be hit hardest by climate change, with rising sea levels, more frequent storms, and loss of livelihoods.

The HKU-led initiative to restore seagrass on Lamma Island is a beacon of hope in these uncertain times. However, it’s a small step towards addressing the scale of the problem. What this means for Hong Kong – and for the world – is that we need to rethink our relationship with nature. We must prioritize the health of our oceans, recognizing their critical role in supporting life on Earth.

As I watched the seagrass sway gently beneath the waves, I was struck by its resilience. These underwater champions remind us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, there is always hope for renewal and restoration. But it’s a fragile hope – one that requires our collective action to protect and preserve the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

The fate of Lamma Island’s seagrass hangs in the balance, but it also serves as a microcosm of the global struggle to safeguard our oceans’ future. As we continue to grapple with climate change, we would do well to remember the quiet champions beneath the waves – and strive to protect them before it’s too late.

The battle to restore seagrass on Lamma Island is far from over, but it serves as a poignant reminder that even in our most vulnerable ecosystems, there lies strength and resilience. As we move forward into an uncertain future, let us remember the lessons of these underwater superheroes – and strive to preserve their vital work for generations to come.