One of the largest and most vital underwater meadows of the Gulf lies in front of the mouths of the Isonzo. These are plants with ribbon-like leaves, stems and roots (rhizomes) and real flowers. They play a key role in oxygenating the water, serve as refuge for young fish larvae and provide a substrate on which other animal and plant organisms (benthos) can attach themselves. Shallower waters are usually home to the dwarf eelgrass (Nanozostera noltii) that can survive exposure at low tide, while in deeper waters there will be common eelgrass (Zostera marina), which in the lagoon covers the typical ring-shaped areas called “molere”; towards the sea, the meadows of eelgrass are replaced by areas of little Neptune grass (Cymodocea nodosa).