Seagrass meadows are vital underwater plant ecosystems located in shallow coastal waters, yet they are among the most underestimated ecosystems on Earth. These amazing underwater plants excel at capturing carbon, surpassing even trees in efficiency, and provide sustenance for millions of people worldwide. Seagrass can store carbon up to 35 times more rapidly than tropical rainforests, locking it away for millennia.
These meadows serve as crucial nurseries for marine life, including fish, turtles, and dugongs. They offer refuge to 121 threatened marine species and nearly 750 fish species, contributing significantly to over 20% of global fishery landings. In India, for instance, seagrass meadows are home to approximately 1,250 species of flora and fauna, such as endangered dugongs and green turtles.
Seagrass is facing a concerning decline globally, with a recent study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment reporting a decrease of 1-2% annually over the past century. Alarmingly, nearly 5% of seagrass species are now endangered, primarily due to human activities.
Seagrass meadows are unparalleled in their ability to absorb carbon dioxide. In India, a 2022 study found that the country's seagrass, covering 516.59 square kilometers, can absorb an impressive 434.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide per square kilometer annually.
Beyond supporting marine life and carbon capture, seagrass acts as a natural defense against coastal storms and erosion. This protective function is especially crucial for nations with extensive coastlines and vulnerable coastal communities.
India boasts expansive seagrass meadows, hosting 16 species, with concentrations in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, and the Gulf of Kutch. However, studies along regions like Tamil Nadu's Manora coast reveal troubling findings—46% of the surveyed area had seagrass and seaweed cover, while 54% was barren seafloor.
Despite existing laws aimed at protecting coastal ecosystems, enforcement remains weak. Pollution from urban areas, industrial activities, and agriculture continues to degrade these meadows. Additionally, coastal development and tourism exert further pressure on these fragile habitats.
Globally, 23.9% of known seagrass areas are located within marine protected zones, and nearly 2,000 restoration projects have been launched worldwide. In the United States, a large-scale project in Virginia has successfully restored approximately 1,700 hectares of Zostera marina.
Between 2011 and 2020, researchers in India restored 14 acres of degraded seagrass in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay with a remarkable success rate of 85-90%. The Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research actively participates in community-based seagrass restoration projects in Palk Bay, employing eco-friendly methods such as bamboo frames and coconut rope for transplanting seagrass sprigs.
According to recent evaluations, safeguarding 30% of seagrass by 2030 could protect over 750 fish species, store millions of tons of carbon, and support coastal communities.
Prioritizing seagrass protection is crucial, demanding integration into comprehensive marine conservation policies with strict enforcement. Collaboration among scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and local communities is vital to secure these ecosystems for future generations.
Despite its vital role, seagrass conservation is often overlooked in popular conservation narratives like blue carbon initiatives. This lack of awareness continues to contribute to the degradation of these essential ecosystems.
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