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Today, population growth in the regions bordering the Pacific and Indian Oceans are likely leading to the heaviest losses of seagrass, but those regions lack the scientific infrastructure to assess the loss, Fourqurean said. “Globally, we lose a seagrass meadow the size of a soccer field every thirty minutes,” said co-author William Dennison of the University of Maryland. An estimated 19,690 square miles (51,000 square km) of seagrass has been lost since 1879 of a total estimated area of 68,350 square miles (177,000 square km), the researchers said. Over the entire 130-year period, seagrass was lost at a rate of 1.5 percent per year. The study, by a team of scientists from the United States, Australia and Spain, found that 29 percent of known seagrass meadows have disappeared since 1879.

A recent study estimated the annual economic value of seagrass at $3,500 per hectare (2.5 acres), Fourqurean said. “Seagrass beds are at least as economically and ecologically important as tropical forests or coral reefs,” he said. ‘ECONOMICALLY AND ECOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT’ Seagrass meadows are important food fisheries and host gamefish like tarpon, permit and bonefish. But the grasses can be damaged by polluted water from coastal development, decreasing water clarity, and by dredging and filling of meadows. The scientists also said global climate change “is predicted to have deleterious effects on seagrasses.” Many scientists believe greenhouse gases are causing the world to warm, leading to a host of environmental effects including warming and rising oceans. “They live in shallow areas protected from large storm waves, and they are especially prevalent in bays and around river mouths.” Scientists say seagrass processes waste dumped into the sea, helps stabilize ocean-bottom sediments in coastal areas to reduce erosion, provide nurseries for fish and shellfish and feeding grounds for larger marine creatures, including those that live in coral reefs.

“Seagrasses are disappearing because they live in the same kind of environments that attract people,” James Fourqurean, a professor at Florida International University and a co-author of the study, said in an e-mailed response to questions. Published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study, based on more than 200 surveys and 1,800 observations dating back to 1879, found that seagrasses are disappearing at rates similar to coral reefs and tropical rainforests. Billed as the first comprehensive global assessment of seagrass losses, the study found 58 percent of seagrass meadows are declining and the rate of annual loss has accelerated from about 1 percent per year before 1940 to 7 percent per year since 1990. For more information on Freestyle Music Park, call (843) 236-7625 orvisit FreestyleMusicPark . SOURCEFreestyle Music ParkErin Barrett, , or Michael Jordan,, both of The Brandon Agency, +1-843-916-2000, orvisit brandonpr .

* Twenty-nine percent of world’s seagrass meadows lost * Losses accelerating due to coastal development By Jim Loney MIAMI, July 2 (Reuters) – The world’s seagrass meadows, a critical habitat for marine life and profit-maker for the fishing industry, are in decline due to coastal development and the losses are accelerating, according to a new study. At Freestyle Music Park, guests can indulge their inner”rock star,” while enjoying the park’s many rides, shows and otherattractions.Plans currently call for Freestyle Music Park to be the launching point forthe Freestyle Park brand throughout the world, as FPI MBE plans to openadditional attractions and entertainment venues in the coming years, under theFreestyle Park banner The Myrtle Beach Park is the first to feature a musictheme. Immediately entering the gates, guests are fully immersed in the language ofmusic, covering all areas from country, reggae, beach music, pop, R&B,alternative and disco. These attractions includeroller coasters, rides, shows, children’s play areas, restaurants, cafes,retail stores, a multi-purpose live music amphitheatre and a park-wide soundsystem, which creates an all-encompassing, rich family-fun experience. The picnic pack, available while supplies last, consists offour Nathan’s hot dogs, four Pepsi fountain drinks and a choice of four sides.”The July 4th holiday is an important holiday to reflect on our nation’shistory, our freedom and family,” said John Stine, director of marketing andsales for Freestyle Music Park. “At Freestyle Music Park, we are proud to beable to celebrate this year’s Independence Day by offering guests a great dealon Park admission and also by providing the biggest fireworks spectacular inthe Myrtle Beach area.