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Scientists struggle to save seagrass from coastal pollution

While there are signs some seagrass is rebounding in the United States, the global picture is more mixed.

Credit: AP

In this undated photo provided by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, a winter skate rests among seagrass at a monitoring site in the sound off shore from Salem, Mass. Seagrass meadows, found in coastlines all coastal areas around the world except Antarctica's shores, are among the most poorly protected but widespread coastal habitats in the world. Studies have found more than 70 species of seagrass that can reduce erosion and improve water quality, while providing food and shelter for sea creatures. (Tay Evans/Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries via AP)

DURHAM, N.C. — Efforts to clean up U.S. waterways are helping bring back seagrass beds.

The beds provide huge benefits to coastal environments and the creatures that live in them.

From Boston to Tampa, researchers are finding that upgrades of municipal sewage plants have improved water quality and created an environment more welcoming to seagrass.

Poor water quality had led to the demise and, in some cases, the disappearance of seagrass in coastal areas.

Seagrass is often seen as a gauge of the health of marine ecosystems. While there are signs some seagrass is rebounding in the United States, the global picture is more mixed.

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Scientists struggle to save seagrass from coastal pollution

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AP

In this Oct. 29, 2019 photo, from left, University of New Hampshire's Lara Martin,Nikki Sarrette and Nick Anderson monitor the health of eel grass in the Great Bay in Durham, N.H. Their sampling work is part of a global effort to monitor the health of seagrass, which is critical for water quality in the bay and serves as food source and shelter for fish, crustaceans and other marine animals. (AP Photo/Michael Casey)

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