Macroalgae and plants play a vital role in maintaing a healthy ecosystem in the ocean. They provide more than a third of the world’s oxygen and help remove nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, from the water to keep it clean. These so called “living filters” are used in a Creation of the Sea aquarium for these same purposes, and also helps beautify the aquarium’s environment. The abundance of macroaglae and plants (in the form of seagrass) seen as dark shadows under the water in the above photo is one of the main reasons why this particular beach water is crystal clear.
 

**This photo was taken at Coco Beach in Puerto Rico during one of the Owner’s snorkeling expeditions**