Paper short abstract:

Seagrass are both affected by climate change and capable of mitigating its effects. The contribution examines multi-faceted human-seagrass-relations in Mexico and the innovative strategies and practices of marine biologists as they work to stabilize the coast through multispecies interactions.

Paper long abstract:

Many coastal areas around the globe face severe damage. Anthropogenic climate change is a significant contributor to coastal destabilization. In light of these changes, coastal areas have become a focus of scientific investigation in both natural sciences and cultural studies. Researchers increasingly consider the complex interplay of multiple species which contribute to ecosystem stability. Innovative approaches of climate change mitigation are developed world-wide, leading to a variety of perspectives on the future of these unique environments. A species that takes center stage within these dynamics is seagrass, as it is both affected by climate change and capable of mitigating its effects. Seagrasses are, thus, gaining increased recognition as a vital component for coastal stability. My research localizes these dynamics along the Riviera Maya in Mexico, where I conducted ethnographic fieldwork from 2019–2022. My contribution examines human-seagrass-relations and the innovative strategies and practices of marine biologists as they work to stabilize the coast through multispecies interactions. Referring to approaches from the fields of naturescultures and ecologies of repair, the study provides a deeper understanding of the role of non-human actors in coastal stabilization efforts and contributes to ongoing discussions about ecologies of repair in the Anthropocene.