The Preservation of Seagrass Is Essential to Global Biodiversity. You know why?

Concerning Seagrasses

Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow underwater and create dense underwater meadows. They adapted to marine environments after evolving from terrestrial plants.

Seagrasses, as opposed to seaweed, which is algae, have stems, roots, and leaves, and they are capable of flowering and seeding.

Seagrass Ecosystems Are Important

Sequestration of Carbon and Climate Action: Seagrasses, sometimes referred to as the "lungs of the sea," have a 35-fold higher rate of carbon storage than tropical rainforests.

Seagrass meadows offer refuge to threatened and endangered marine species as well as habitat and nurseries for fish species, thereby contributing to biodiversity and the protection of marine life.

Coastal Protection: Seagrasses serve as organic barriers that shield coastal communities from erosion and storms, lowering the likelihood of natural disasters.

Seagrass meadows have enormous economic benefits, with an estimated yearly value of US $6.4 trillion.

Seagrass in India

With an estimated 11,098 km of coastline (2023–24), India is home to several seagrass meadows, particularly in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, and the Gulf of Kutch.

Threats to the Seagrass Ecosystem

• Anthropogenic activities include farming, pollution, and urbanization.
• Inadequate Enforcement of Laws Protecting Coastal Ecosystems
• loss of biodiversity, unregulated fishing and boating, and diversity.

Worldwide Achievements: seagrass habitats around the world.

A global initiative called the Blue Carbon Initiative aims to sequester carbon in coastal ecosystems, such as seagrass beds, salt marshes, and mangroves.

Indian Conservation Initiatives: Marine Fisheries National Policy (2017): acknowledges seagrass meadows, along with mangroves and coral reefs, as vital coastal marine ecosystems.

The Climate Resilience Project is being carried out in Odisha, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. underpinned by a Global Climate Fund (GCF) grant.

Restoration of Seagrass in Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar.