15-March -2025-Special-Article

SEAGRASS CONSERVATION

Seagrasses are vital marine plants that play a crucial role in maintaining ocean biodiversity and combating climate change. However, a recent study published in Nature highlights that seagrasses are declining at a rate of 1-2% annually, with nearly 5% of species endangered due to human activities. To address this, global efforts aim to protect 30% of seagrass ecosystems by 2030.

What are Seagrasses?

• Seagrasses are flowering aquatic plants that grow in shallow coastal waters such as bays, estuaries, and lagoons.
• Characteristics:

• They conduct photosynthesis and enhance marine oxygen levels.
• They reproduce both sexually and asexually through underwater pollination and rhizomes (horizontal underground stems).

• Classification:

• Seagrasses belong to the order Alismatales and are divided into four families with around 60 species.
• Important species include Cymodocea serrulata (Sea Cow Grass), Halodule uninervis (Flat-tipped Seagrass), and Syringodium isoetifolium (Needle Seagrass).

Threats to Seagrass Ecosystems

1. Pollution: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban sewage degrade seagrass meadows.
2. Coastal Development: Infrastructure projects, tourism, and land reclamation damage fragile ecosystems.
3. Climate Change:
   • Rising ocean temperatures and acidification threaten seagrass survival.
   • Extreme weather events like storms disrupt meadows.
4. Weak Conservation Policies: Lack of strict enforcement of laws limits conservation efforts.

Seagrass Distribution and Conservation Status

• Global Presence: Seagrasses cover only 0.1% of the ocean floor but support vast marine life and fisheries.
• Seagrasses in India:

• Cover an area of approximately 516.59 sq km.
• Major locations include the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and the Gulf of Kutch.
• Sequester around 434.9 tonnes of CO₂ per sq km annually, aiding climate mitigation.

Conservation Efforts

India’s Initiatives

• Between 2011-2020, about 14 acres of seagrass were restored in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay with an 85-90% success rate.
• Community-led projects use bamboo frames and coconut ropes to aid seagrass transplantation.

Global Efforts

• Around 23.9% of seagrass meadows fall under Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
• Successful restoration efforts, such as in Virginia, USA, where 1,700 hectares of Zostera marina were restored.

Importance of Seagrass Ecosystems

1. Carbon Sequestration:
   • Seagrasses store 11% of the ocean’s organic carbon.
   • They absorb 83 million tonnes of atmospheric carbon annually, sequestering carbon 35 times faster than rainforests.
2. Biodiversity Hotspots:
   • Provide habitat for over 750 fish species and 121 threatened marine species.
   • Home to endangered dugongs (sea cows), green turtles, squids, and cuttlefish.
3. Coastal Protection:
   • Stabilize seabeds, preventing coastal erosion.
   • Filter pollutants, improving water quality and clarity.
4. Livelihood and Fisheries:
   • Provide safe breeding grounds for marine species, supporting commercial fisheries.
   • Contribute to 20% of the world’s fishery landings.

Challenges in Seagrass Conservation

1. Lack of Awareness:
   • Limited public knowledge and understanding of the ecological importance of seagrasses.
2. Insufficient Policy Support:
   • Seagrasses are not widely integrated into marine conservation policies.
3. Threats from Human Activities:
   • Overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and coastal pollution threaten their survival.
4. Climate Change Vulnerability:
   • Seagrasses are highly sensitive to rising sea temperatures and increased ocean acidification.

Way Forward

1. Integrate Seagrass Protection into National Policies:
   • Include seagrass conservation in India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan.
   • Ensure dedicated funding and long-term conservation efforts.
2. Expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
   • Currently, MPAs cover only 2.5% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
   • Expansion is essential to safeguard marine ecosystems.
3. Recognize Seagrasses in Climate Strategies:
   • Seagrass meadows should be included in India’s Blue Carbon Initiative.
   • Enhance their role in carbon sequestration for climate mitigation.
4. Strengthen Global Cooperation:
   • International collaboration is necessary to improve research, conservation efforts, and funding.
   • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) should assess seagrass species to prevent their extinction.

Conclusion

Seagrass ecosystems are vital for marine biodiversity, climate mitigation, and coastal protection. However, rising threats due to human activities and climate change necessitate urgent conservation measures. Strengthening policy frameworks, expanding protected areas, and fostering global cooperation are crucial steps to preserve these invaluable underwater forests for future generations.

Mains Question

1. Discuss the significance of seagrass ecosystems in marine biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. What measures can be taken to enhance their protection in India? (150 WORDS)