PHU QUOC BEACH · SEA GRASS
Phu Quoc's underwater meadows
Green seagrass meadows lie beneath Phu Quoc's shallow coastal water, sheltering and feeding many species. Images from other locations are identified where used for illustration.
Beyond the familiar view of white sand and clear water, extensive seagrass grows below the shallows. Less colourful than coral but ecologically vital, these underwater meadows act as nurseries and habitat for marine life.
Real grass, living under the sea
Seagrasses are completely different from seaweed; they are higher plants with a full structure of roots, leaf stems, flowers, and seeds. The root system of seagrass clings to the ocean floor, while the soft foliage rises to form "miniature forests", providing a safe haven for schools of juvenile fish and many invertebrates. Moreover, these grasses also play an important role in fixing sediment and protecting the coastline. Please don't pull or trample on the grass just out of curiosity; because that seemingly monotonous patch of grass is the common home of a whole miniature ecosystem.
What period does the figure of 652 hectares talk about?
A study published in 2023 has painstakingly compared data from satellite and aerial images of 2005, 2010, 2018, combined with direct field surveys in 2019. The results show that, within the scope of the study, the area of Phu Quoc seagrass has shrunk by about 652 hectares, equivalent to 6.1% in the period from 2005 to 2018; in which, Bai Vong sea is the area that suffers the most losses. It should be noted that this is a data picture of a historical period that has passed, this figure should not be cited as a data reflecting the current state of the seagrass bed at the time of 2026.
Want to know how seagrass is today
Another scientific study published in 2026 has conducted a detailed assessment of coverage, biomass, species composition and ecological environment at 16 monitoring stations in 4 island areas off the coast of Vietnam, with Phu Quoc being one of them. This sends a clear message: just one statistical map is not enough to make a comprehensive judgment of the "health" of seagrass beds. To have an accurate answer whether a grass is gradually reviving or is still under pressure, scientists need to conduct surveys in the right area, at the right time and maintain continuous monitoring over the years. When participating in marine activities, visitors should be aware of keeping a safe distance from sensitive ecosystems, and especially never allow to drop or pull anchors indiscriminately on the seagrass bed.