Context:
Seagrass conservation key to global biodiversity and climate targets, studies show
Seagrasses:
- Marine flowering plants that grow in shallow, coastal waters, typically in estuarine and oceanic habitats.
- Known as the “lungs of the sea,” as they play a crucial role in oxygen production through photosynthesis.
- Distribution – Found across all continents except Antarctica.
- Distribution in India –
- East Coast: Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay regions.
- West Coast: Gulf of Kachchh region.
- Lakshadweep: Lagoons in the Arabian Sea.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Bay of Bengal.
- Significance –
- Biodiversity Support – Provide habitat for variety of species of conservation concern
- Carbon Sequestration – Capture carbon 35 times faster than rainforests.
- Coastal Protection – Protect coastlines from storms and erosion by reducing wave impact.
- Economic Value – Support over 20% of global fishery landings, benefiting fishing and tourism industries.
- Threats – Industrial and agricultural run-off, Dredging, Unregulated fishing and boating activities and Climate change.
- Conservation Initiatives –
- UNEP Community Manual – Guide for community-based seagrass conservation projects.
- Seagrass Watch – Collaborative program training volunteers and organizations to monitor and conserve seagrass habitats.
- Blue Carbon Initiative – Focuses on coastal ecosystems, including seagrasses, for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
- India’s National Policy on Marine Fisheries – Highlights the importance of seagrasses, along with mangroves and coral reefs, in coastal marine ecosystems.
- Climate Resilience Project – Includes protection and restoration of natural ecosystems like seagrasses, supported by a grant from the Global Climate Fund.
Source: DTE
Previous Year Question
Consider the following kinds of organisms:
1. Copepods
2. Cyanobacteria
3. Diatoms
4. Foraminifera
Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Copepods and Foraminifera are not primary producers.
