Lau Lagoon has the largest area of seagrass in Solomon Islands. Dugongs, turtles and many other animals depend on seagrass for food and shelter. Seagrass is important because it provides a nursery ground for fish, shells and other marine resources. Moreover, seagrass keeps the water clean and protects the coast. The Hatamela, or Thumbprint emperor, is an important fish for people in Lau Lagoon. Emperors are dependent on the seagrass beds in the lagoon, where they eat snails, worms and urchins that live in the sand.