Working seagrasses: emerging coastal ethics in the Mexican Caribbean

Abstract

The article explores the emergence of coastal ethics in the Anthropocene, focusing on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. In response to escalating challenges such as coastal degradation and Sargassum impact, the study shifts the focus from blame to the practices of marine biologists engaged in repairing ecosystems, particularly seagrasses. The concept of “working seagrasses” is introduced, emphasizing the functional, performative, and manipulative aspects of human-seagrass interactions. Through ethnographic fieldwork, the author observes a departure from blame-based approaches prevalent in the field towards marine biologists, who actively work to repair seagrass beds. Three empirical examples illustrate different dimensions of working seagrasses, shedding light on scientists’ curated interactions, ecological restoration practices, and the role of species recognition in coastal ethics. The study explores multi-species entanglements along Mexican coasts, emphasizing collaborative efforts between humans and non-humans. By addressing how marine biologists respond to coastal degradation and involving non-human actors, the study contributes to understanding evolving coastal ethics in the Anthropocene.