According to a recent review published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, Seagrass meadows are declining at a rate of 1–2% per year over the past century, with nearly 5% of species now classified as endangered. This decline is primarily due to human activities that impact coastal environments. (Down To Earth)
- Global Distribution and Habitat:
- Seagrasses are marine flowering plants found in shallow waters across the globe—from the tropics to the Arctic Circle. They occur in 159 countries on six continents, underscoring their widespread ecological significance despite covering only 0.1% of the ocean floor.
Ecological and Economic Importance:
- Biodiversity and Fisheries: Seagrass meadows serve as critical nursery habitats for over one fifth of the world’s largest 25 fisheries, supporting the early life stages of many marine species and contributing to global fishery production.
- Water Quality and Disease Control: These plants improve water quality by filtering, cycling, and storing nutrients and pollutants. They also reduce the prevalence of pathogenic marine bacteria, which helps protect human health, coral reefs, and seafood quality.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation:
- Carbon Sequestration: Despite their limited area, seagrass meadows are highly efficient carbon sinks, storing up to 18% of the world’s oceanic carbon. This makes them a key component in global carbon management strategies.
- Buffering Effects: They can mitigate ocean acidification, thus helping to protect vulnerable ecosystems like coral reefs. Moreover, seagrasses reduce wave energy along coastlines, acting as natural barriers that decrease the risk of floods and storms, thereby protecting coastal communities.
(Source: UNEP)
