JEJU MARINE PLANTS
Overview
· Sea grasses are flowering plants adapted to live in underwater marine environments. They grow in shallow sheltered coastal waters.
Key Species
· Turtle Grass (Thalassia testudinum)
· Eelgrass (Zostera marina)
· Neptune Grass (Posidonia oceanica)
Importance
· Stabilize sediment and prevent erosion
· Provide habitat and nursery grounds for marine life (e.g., fish, sea turtles).
· Produce oxygen and sequester carbon, helping mitigate climate change
Seagrasses
Overview
·Thrive in shallow, nutrient-rich waters and play a foundational role in the marine food web
Key Species
· Sea Lettuce (Ulva species)
·Mermaid's Wineglass (Acetabularia)
Threats
· Food for herbivorous marine animals
· Improve water quality by absorbing nutrients
Seaeeds
Overview
· Typically found in cooler waters, forming extensive underwater forests
Key Species
· Kelp (Macrocystis Pyrifera)
· Sargassum (Sargassum muticum)
Threats
· Overharvesting for alginate production
· Rising ocean temperatures
Importance
· Habitat for marine species
· Carbon sequestration
Brown Algae (Phaeophyta)
Overview
· Found in a range of depths, from shallow waters to deep oceans
Key Species
· Irish Moss (Chondrus Crispus)
· Nori (Pyropia Species)
Threats
· Overharvesting for food and industrial uses (agar and carrageenan)
· Pollution affecting water quality
Importance
· Significant food source (e.g., sushi wraps)
· Contribute to reef building with calcium carbonate deposition
Red Algae
Overview
· Green algae are photosynthetic organisms found in shallow waters and even soil. They support marine life by producing oxygen and serving as a food source.
Key Species
· Ulva linza (Sea Lettuce)
· Monostroma nitidum (Hot-Parae)
Threats
· Ocean acidification lowers photosynthesis efficiency
· Overharvesting for food reduces population levels
Importance
· Produce oxygen vital for marine ecosystems
· Provide food and shelter in coastal habitats
Green Algae
Overview
Crustaceans live in algae-rich, temperature waters and are important ecologically and economically
Key Species
· Ranina ranina (Spanner Crab)
· Linuparus trigonus (Smooth Spiny Lobster)
Threats
· Overharvesting by divers (Haenyeo)
· Pollution from sewage and heavy metals
Importance
· Attract tourism and support local fisheries
· Contribute to the balance of the underwater food web
Marine Crustaceans
Water is an essential resource, yet its usage often goes unnoticed in our daily lives. From the water we drink to the products we consume, every aspect of modern living depends on a stable and accessible freshwater supply. However, much of this consumption remains hidden - from the water required to grow our food and manufacture our clothing, to the energy used in transportation and daily hygiene. As a result, many individuals are unaware of the true scale of their daily water use.
This poster aims to illuminate the concept of the water footprint - the total volume of freshwater use to produce goods and services consumed by individuals or communities.
Project
This project is all about raising awareness and fostering people to do something for Jeju's coastal environment. Marine organisms, such as seagrasses, seaweeds, and red algaes, are playing a critical role in balancing the coastal environment of Jeju Island. However, these organisms are currently under a severe threat due to human activity. In order to solve these problems, this project increases awareness about the issue by presenting it on the website, educating people and campaigning. Moreover, this project includes making applications to approach people more easily.
The Richness of Jeju's Coastal Ecosystem
Jeju island's coastal waters are home to an incredibly diverse range of marine plant species - including seagrasses, seaweeds, and red algae- that support one of the Korea's most vibrant coastal ecosystems. These organisms not only form the foundation of marine life but also help regulate water quality, stabilize sediments, and capture carbon. Jeju's coastline stands as a natural sanctuary, contributing to both biodiversity and climate.
Human Impact and Emerging Threats
Despite its ecological importance, Jeju's coastal environment is facing growing pressure from human activities. Tourism development, coastal infrastructure, pollution, and resource overharvesting are accelerating the degradation of marine habitats. Fragile ecosystems are being disrupted, putting native marine plants and species that depend on them at serious risk.
Why Action Can't Wait
The degradation of marine plant habitats is not a distant problem. Sea grasses and algae that took years to flourish can disappear in weeks. These losses affect fisheries, increase vulnerability to coastal erosion, and weaken natural carbon sinks. The window to reverse or slow these impacts is narrow, and collective awareness and action are urgently needed to protect what remains.
Bringing Change Through Innovation and Engagement
In addition to community outreach, the project embraces technology as a tool for environmental advocacy. By developing accessible applications and interactive platforms, it makes it easier for people to learn, participate, and stay engaged. Whether online of on-site, this project serves as a bridge between awareness and action.
.png)
Why Jeju Island for our Marine Plant Campaign?
Jeju island is one of the most beautiful places in Korea. The factors such as volcanic ecosystem, abundant natural resources, clean natural environment, diverse ecosystems, and maritime climate made Jeju very aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, it also has very high biodiversity. Jeju, a safe shelter for many species, plays a huge role in maintaining ecological balance and scientific value. In order to maintain this intrinsic value of Jeju, and especially the coastal areas, this project is decided to be held in Jeju Island.