Seagrass meadows could be good for your health — yet they’re disappearing fast

Seagrass meadows, often overlooked in comparison to their more famous counterparts like coral reefs and mangrove forests, are the unsung heroes of our coastal oceans. These underwater flowering plants form vast, verdant pastures that are, as the article rightly points out, not optional extras but essential infrastructure for resilient societies. Their rapid disappearance, therefore, represents a critical environmental and socio-economic crisis that demands immediate attention.

Historically, seagrass meadows have thrived in shallow, sheltered coastal waters across the globe, including along India's extensive coastline. They are among the oldest ecosystems on Earth, with some species dating back millions of years. For centuries, coastal communities have unknowingly relied on the services these meadows provide, from abundant fish stocks to protection from coastal erosion. However, it is only in recent decades that the scientific community has fully grasped the sheer breadth of their ecological and economic value. They are incredible carbon sinks, sequestering carbon at rates comparable to or even exceeding terrestrial forests, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. They also act as vital nursery grounds for countless marine species, including commercially important fish and shellfish, and provide essential food for endangered species like dugongs and sea turtles. Furthermore, their dense root systems stabilize sediments, preventing coastal erosion and improving water quality by filtering pollutants.

What happened, then, to these vital ecosystems? The answer is a confluence of human-induced pressures. Pollution, particularly nutrient runoff from agriculture and untreated sewage, chokes seagrass by promoting algal blooms that block sunlight. Coastal development, including dredging for ports, harbors, and tourism infrastructure, directly destroys meadows or smothers them with sediment. Destructive fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, tear up the seabed. Climate change exacerbates these threats through rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased frequency of extreme weather events like storms, which can physically rip meadows apart. Globally, it's estimated that seagrass meadows are disappearing at a rate of 1.5% per year, making them one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet.

Key stakeholders in this scenario include various government bodies like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) at the national level, and state-level Coastal Zone Management Authorities and Fisheries Departments. Their role is crucial in policy formulation, regulation, and enforcement. Scientific and research institutions, such as the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) and various marine biology departments in universities, provide the critical data and expertise needed for conservation and restoration. Local communities, particularly fisherfolk and those living in coastal areas, are directly impacted by the health of these meadows and are essential partners in any conservation effort. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like WWF India and Wildlife Trust of India play a significant role in advocacy, awareness, and on-ground conservation projects. Lastly, industries like tourism, shipping, and infrastructure development, while potential threats, also have a responsibility and opportunity to adopt sustainable practices.

For India, the rapid disappearance of seagrass meadows holds profound significance. With a coastline spanning over 7,500 km, India is particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion, storm surges, and the impacts of climate change. Healthy seagrass meadows act as natural shock absorbers, protecting coastal communities and infrastructure. Their degradation means increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Economically, they underpin significant portions of India's fishing industry, supporting the livelihoods of millions. A decline in seagrass directly translates to reduced fish stocks, impacting food security and economic stability for coastal populations. Environmentally, the loss of these carbon sinks compromises India's efforts to meet its climate change mitigation targets under international agreements like the Paris Agreement. Moreover, India is home to endangered species like the Dugong, often referred to as the 'sea cow,' which exclusively feeds on seagrass. Their survival is directly linked to the health of these meadows.

India's legal and policy framework offers avenues for seagrass protection. Article 48A of the Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.' Furthermore, Article 51A(g) outlines a Fundamental Duty for every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.' The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, provides the overarching legal framework for environmental protection. More specifically, the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018, regulates developmental activities in coastal areas and classifies ecologically sensitive areas (like mangroves and coral reefs) for enhanced protection, a framework that can and should be extended more explicitly to seagrass meadows. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, protects species like the Dugong, whose habitat needs direct seagrass conservation efforts. India's commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) also underscores the need for ecosystem protection.

The future implications of continued seagrass loss are dire. We face a future with diminished marine biodiversity, reduced fish stocks, increased coastal vulnerability, and a weakened natural defense against climate change. However, there is hope. Growing scientific understanding and conservation efforts, including restoration projects, policy reforms, and community engagement, offer pathways to recovery. The recognition of seagrass as 'essential infrastructure' is a crucial step towards integrating their protection into national development plans and climate change strategies. Sustainable coastal management, robust enforcement of environmental laws, and public awareness campaigns are vital to reverse this alarming trend and ensure these underwater meadows continue to provide their invaluable services for generations to come.