Mirissa inshore seagrass meadows (Halodule uninervis): green sea turtle grazing and dugong habitat?

Shallow sandy bays along the Mirissa and Weligama coastline harbor thriving inshore seagrass meadows dominated by Halodule uninervis and Thalassia hemprichii. These underwater flowering plant beds function as critical benthic nurseries and feeding grounds for juvenile and adult Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). Green turtles graze selectively on tender seagrass blades, cropping shoots in a way that stimulates healthy lateral runner growth. Seagrass roots also stabilize coastal sediment, sequester carbon, and provide protective shelter for juvenile reef fish and seahorses.