A study in Nature reports that seagrasses are declining at a rate of 1–2% annually, with nearly 5% of species endangered due to human activities, highlighting the need to protect 30% of seagrass by 2030 to preserve biodiversity. 

What are Seagrasses?

• About: Seagrasses are submerged, flowering marine aquatic plants that grow in shallow coastal waters such as bays and lagoons.  
  • They possess small flowers and strap-like or oval leaves, forming dense underwater meadows. 
• Classification: Seagrasses belong to the order Alismatales and are classified into 4 families with around 60 species.  
  • Some of the important seagrasses are Sea Cow Grass (Cymodocea serrulata), Thready Seagrass (Cymodocea rotundata), Needle Seagrass (Syringodium isoetifolium), Flat-tipped Seagrass (Halodule uninervis), etc. 
• Key Features: 
  • Like terrestrial plants, seagrasses conduct photosynthesis and support marine biodiversity and enhance oceanic oxygen levels. 
  • Seagrasses reproduce both sexually and asexually.  
    • In sexual reproduction, submarine pollination transfers male pollen to female flowers underwater. Asexually, they propagate through rhizomes-horizontal underground stems, that enable regeneration after disturbances like grazing or storms. 
• Threats to Seagrass: 
  • Pollution: Industrial, agricultural, and urban waste degrade seagrass meadows. 
  • Coastal Development: Tourism and infrastructure projects disturb fragile ecosystems. 
  • Climate Change: Rising temperatures and ocean acidification threaten seagrass survival. 
  • Weak Enforcement: Despite existing laws, conservation efforts lack strict implementation.