Seagrass:

What is seagrass?

Seagrasses are marine angiosperms (flowering plants), found along the coastlines worldwide in shallow waters except Antarctica. They have probably evolved millions of years ago from land-living angiosperms, closely related to land plants.  “They possess the capability to tolerate salt water and live in a submerged environment”, said Frederick Short, a Marine Biology from the University of New Hampshire.

 

Where can they be found?

Seagrasses are seen in the shallow waters anchored in sand or mud bottoms. They photosynthesize, in the photic zone similar to autotrophic plants. They form dense underwater meadows when the environmental conditions are suitable for its growth.

 

How many seagrass species are known?

72 different species of seagrasses belonging to four families are identified globally. The highest diversity of seagrasses is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific holding 14 different species. In the Indo-Pacific region, India has recorded high seagrass diversity of 14 species belonging to 7 genera. Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar house all the 14 species found in India.

 

Ecosystem services:

Seagrass meadows are ecosystem engineers create a world where life can thrive and being the most productive, ecologically significant coastal ecosystems. They provide crucial ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, habitat for marine species, sediment stabilization, and support for fisheries. They provide significant amounts of oxygen which oxygenate the water column. Endangered species such as Dugongs, Sea turtles use seagrass meadows as foraging and breeding grounds.

 

Threats to seagrass:

The seagrass meadows are under several threats and the most significant threat is from human activities. Excess amounts of pollutants, leading to algal blooms blocking sunlight, destructive fishing practices have been majorly causing seagrass meadows destruction. The natural causes of the destruction are cyclones, infestation and diseases. Marine heatwaves is another serious threat to the seagrasses across the world.

 

OMCAR collaborates with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and local communities to restore seagrass habitats, particularly in the Palk Bay region. The foundation emphasizes participatory approaches, involving local communities in seagrass conservation efforts. OMCAR conducts research on marine and coastal ecology, focusing on seagrass ecosystems. Through these efforts, OMCAR aims to promote the conservation of seagrass ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.