The mostly cerulean, turquoise and navy aerial view above the islands of Maldives is so breathtaking, that one may be forgiven for not noticing the handful of dark spots standing boldly in contrast against the crystal clear waters the country is renowned for.
For the discerning eye, what you are noticing are seagrass beds, usually found in the shallow lagoons of islands, that despite their modest appearance are vitally important to the seas surrounding them, housing an entire ecosystem within it.