Daily Current Affairs : 27-July-2023
Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, and it requires concerted efforts from individuals, communities, and governments to combat its impact. In this context, the Baltic Sea Seagrass Initiative has emerged as a crucial project that aims to train local citizens in restoring seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea. This explores the importance of seagrasses, their role in fighting climate change, the threats they face, and the measures being taken to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.
Understanding Seagrasses
Seagrasses are flowering plants that thrive in brackish and salty waters, usually found along gently sloping, well-lit beaches. They are unique marine angiosperms that contribute significantly to coastal ecosystems’ health and functioning. Although seagrasses are widespread across the world, they are absent in Antarctica and can be found in specific regions of India, such as the lagoons of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay areas on the east coast, and the Gulf of Kachchh region.
The Significance of Seagrasses
Seagrasses are often hailed as “Ecosystem Engineers” due to the range of ecosystem services they provide. They play a critical role in oxygenating the water through photosynthesis, earning them the nickname “the lungs of the sea.” Moreover, seagrass meadows support a diverse array of marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and other wildlife, making them essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting healthy fisheries. Local communities benefit economically from these habitats, as they promote ecotourism and sustainable small-scale fishing activities.
Seagrasses and Climate Change
Seagrass meadows play a significant role in combating climate change through their ability to absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide. Their capacity for long-term carbon storage sets them apart from other carbon sinks, such as forests. The roots and sediments of seagrass meadows can safely store carbon for thousands of years, thus contributing to mitigating carbon emissions and reducing the effects of global warming.
Threats and Concerns
Despite their critical ecological role, seagrass beds face numerous threats and challenges. Erosion is a severe issue, with seagrass areas diminishing at a rate of 2-5% annually worldwide. In Europe, one-third of seagrass areas have been lost between 1860 and 2016, leading to increased carbon release into the atmosphere and exacerbating global warming. Seagrasses are susceptible to natural disturbances like storms, grazing, ice-scouring, and desiccation. Anthropogenic activities, such as eutrophication, overfishing, coastal infrastructure development, and pollution, also harm these fragile ecosystems.
Measures for Seagrass Protection and Restoration
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, various initiatives have been undertaken globally and in India to protect and restore seagrasses:
- Global Initiatives:
- The Virginia Institute of Marine Science in the United States seeded a vast area of the Chesapeake Bay with millions of seagrass seeds.
- The SeaStore Seagrass Restoration Project in Keil, Germany, by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, is a renowned effort in this field.
- Indian Efforts:
- Institutions of higher learning and research are actively involved in seagrass mapping, studying species diversity, and transplantation techniques.
- The Indian Government has initiated a project in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha to enhance climate resilience in coastal communities. This project, supported by the Global Climate Fund (GCF), aims to protect and restore natural ecosystems, including mangroves and seagrasses.
Important Points:
- The Baltic Sea Seagrass Initiative trains local citizens to restore seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea to combat Climate Change.
- Seagrasses are flowering plants found on the seafloor and act as natural sinks, storing carbon in large quantities.
- They are known as “Ecosystem Engineers” for providing essential ecosystem services, including oxygenation of water and supporting biodiversity.
- Seagrass meadows are home to a wide variety of marine creatures, benefiting local communities through ecotourism and sustainable fisheries.
- Seagrasses play a crucial role in fighting Climate Change by effectively absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide for thousands of years.
- Seagrass beds are eroding at a rapid rate globally due to natural disturbances and anthropogenic activities, posing significant threats to their survival.
- Various initiatives, such as the SeaStore Seagrass Restoration Project and efforts by institutions and governments, aim to protect and restore seagrasses.
- In India, studies on seagrass mapping, species diversity, and transplantation are being conducted, and climate resilience projects are underway to protect coastal communities.
- Urgent action is required to safeguard seagrass meadows and promote their restoration, contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Why In News
To combat the pressing challenges of Climate Change, citizen divers have taken up the crucial initiative of restoring seagrasses in the Baltic Sea. Through their dedicated efforts, these environmentally conscious individuals aim to revitalize marine ecosystems and foster a sustainable future for our planet.
MCQs about Seagrass Restoration in the Baltic Sea
-
What is the primary goal of the Baltic Sea Seagrass Initiative?
A) To promote sustainable fishing practices in the Baltic Sea.
B) To train local citizens in carbon storage techniques.
C) To combat Climate Change by restoring seagrass meadows.
D) To study the biodiversity of marine creatures in the Baltic Sea.
-
Why are seagrasses often referred to as “the lungs of the sea”?
A) They produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
B) They provide habitat for a wide variety of marine creatures.
C) They contribute to the carbon cycle in marine ecosystems.
D) They are critical for maintaining biodiversity in the ocean.
-
What makes seagrass meadows unique as carbon storage compared to forests?
A) Seagrass meadows can store carbon for thousands of years.
B) Seagrasses are found in shallow depths with plenty of light.
C) Seagrass meadows support a wide variety of marine creatures.
D) Seagrasses are flowering plants found on the seafloor.
-
What are some of the threats faced by seagrass meadows?
A) Loss of habitat due to extreme dryness.
B) Grazing and storms causing erosion.
C) Increased carbon dioxide levels in the water.
D) Overfishing and coastal infrastructure development.
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
