A recent study published in ‘Nature Reviews Earth & Environment’ (Feb 28, 2025) highlights the rapid decline of seagrass meadows due to human activities. 

Key Highlights

• Seagrass is disappearing at a rate of 1-2% per year, with nearly 5% of species endangered. 
• Urgent conservation measures are needed to safeguard marine biodiversity and combat climate change.

About Seagrass

Seagrass meadows are underwater plants that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.  They are better than trees for capturing carbon and providing food for millions of people.

Significance

• Capture carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests.
• Provide habitat for 121 threatened species and nearly 750 fish species.
• Support fisheries, contributing to 20% of global fishery landings.
• Protect coastlines from storms and erosion.

Distribution

• Found in shallow coastal waters across the world.
• India hosts 16 seagrass species, mainly in:
  • Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands and Gulf of Kutch.
• India’s seagrass cover: 516.59 sq km, absorbing 434.9 tonnes of CO₂ per sq km per year.

Threats

• Pollution from industries, cities, and agriculture.
• Coastal development & tourism degrading fragile habitats.
• Weak enforcement of coastal protection laws.
• Loss of biodiversity—studies in Tamil Nadu’s Manora coast show 54% of the surveyed seafloor lacks seagrass cover.

Conservation Efforts

• Restoration projects worldwide: 2,000+ initiatives, with 23.9% of known seagrass areas protected.
• Successful projects:
• • Virginia, USA: 1,700 hectares of Zostera marina restored.
  • India (2011-2020): 14 acres of seagrass restored in Gulf of Mannar & Palk Bay (85-90% success rate).
    • Palk Bay: Community-based restoration using bamboo frames & coconut rope.

Call to Action

• Stronger conservation policies with strict enforcement.
• Inclusion of seagrass in national marine conservation plans.
• Collaboration between scientists, policymakers, conservationists, and local communities.
• Focus on restoration alongside protection to ensure long-term sustainability.