Marine health boosted by seagrasses

The importance of seagrasses to the health of coastal ecosystems is underlined in new research conducted around Indonesian atolls.

These underwater flowering plants, which have been with us since the age of the dinosaurs, have long been known to have anti-microbial properties.

But the latest study demonstrates that their presence really does help to suppress pollution.

Coral reefs also seem to be in a better condition when the grasses are nearby.

Cornell's Dr Joleah Lamb spoke with our science correspondent Jonathan Amos.