A recent review in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment highlights a worrying trend: seagrass is disappearing around the globe. This study, led by Carlos M. Duarte from King Abdullah University in Saudi Arabia, reveals that we are losing seagrass at a rate of 1-2% annually. Nearly 5% of seagrass species are now endangered.
Seagrass meadows play a crucial role in our ecosystems and can help protect over 750 fish species. If we can safeguard 30% of these meadows by 2030, we could also store millions of tons of carbon, benefiting coastal communities significantly.
Seagrass is actually better at capturing carbon than trees. These plants can lock away carbon 35 times faster than tropical rainforests and can store it for thousands of years. Despite this, their value is often overlooked in conservation discussions.
Seagrass meadows provide shelter and nurseries for fish, turtles, and dugongs. They support over 20% of global fishery landings and protect coastlines from erosion and storms. In India, the coastline has been measured at about 11,098 kilometers, which is a significant increase from past measurements. Unfortunately, this coastline only makes up 0.25% of the world’s total.
About 10% of the world’s coastal population lives in India, making these seagrass meadows even more vital. In India, there are 16 seagrass species found mainly in places like the Gulf of Mannar and Andaman Islands. A study showed that India’s seagrass covers about 516.59 square kilometers and can absorb 434.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide per square kilometer yearly, making it a powerful ally in climate action.
There’s a diverse range of life associated with seagrass in India, including around 1,250 species of flora and fauna, such as the endangered dugong and green turtle. However, a 2024 study by Balaji Vedharajan indicates that while 46% of the surveyed area had seagrass, 54% was just bare seafloor. This presents an opportunity for restoration, but it’s crucial to stop further destruction first.
Despite existing laws to protect coastal areas, enforcement has been weak. Pollution from cities and industries continues to damage seagrass meadows, while coastal development puts additional stress on these fragile habitats. However, there is some hope. Successful restoration efforts have occurred in various regions. Currently, about 23.9% of seagrass areas are within marine protected zones, with nearly 2,000 restoration projects worldwide.
For instance, in Virginia, USA, a large project has restored approximately 1,700 hectares of Zostera marina, boosting invertebrate populations. In India, restoration efforts are underway too. Between 2011 and 2020, 14 acres of degraded seagrass were restored in the Gulf of Mannar, with an impressive success rate of 85-90%.
To protect these invaluable ecosystems, a national priority is needed. Seagrass conservation should be part of broader marine policies, with strict enforcement measures in place. Collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and local communities is essential for preserving these vital underwater habitats for future generations.
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