Marine forests: hidden ecosystems beneath the sea

A forest is more than a group of trees—it is a complex ecosystem. And forests do not exist only on land. Under the sea, algae, seagrasses, and corals form real underwater forests known as “ecosystem engineers.”

These species build the structure of marine ecosystems, creating shelters where plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi can live. The complexity of these underwater forests depends, among other factors, on how much light reaches them.

Marine forests serve as breeding and feeding areas for fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates. They also attract larger species such as octopus, cuttlefish, and large fish. These ecosystems exist in tropical, subtropical, temperate, and cold regions.

Protecting marine forests is essential to preserve ocean biodiversity and maintain the balance of marine life.

Source: World Wildlife Foundation (WWF)