Seagrass
Seagrass Ecosystem
Seagrass meadows in Odisha’s Chilika Lagoon are critical blue carbon ecosystems that play a key role in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, fisheries support, and marine biodiversity conservation. Chilika is home to five seagrass species—Halophila beccarii, Halophila ovata, Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis, and Halodule pinifolia—out of the 56 species found globally, underscoring its importance as a biodiversity hotspot. Despite their importance, they are among the most threatened habitats in India. Under the ECRICC initiative, the state of Odisha is undertaking significant efforts to restore and protect 85 hectares of seagrass habitat
IIT Bhubaneswar has also been appointed as the Technical Support Agency for the restoration of seagrass ecosystem, with a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for the restoration activities spanning 2025 to 2027. To steer these restoration efforts, a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been established to provide expert guidance, oversee implementation, and strengthen local capacities for sustained, long-term conservation.
Fisheries Production
Serves as nursery habitats for commercial fish and shellfish.
Denitrification
Removes excess nutrients like NO₃ (nitrate) and N₂
Carbon Sink
Sequesters carbon from the air and stores it in the soil,forming rich carbon sediments from coastal ecosystems
Improved Water Quality
Traps sediment and absorbs Mcontaminants, improving water quality.
Biodiversity Enhancement
Provides complex habitats for various species, such as nesting birds.
Food Provision
Supports animal grazing and plant harvesting, contributing to the local economy
Flood and Coastal Defense
Absorbs tidal and wave energy to protect the land and reduce costs for sea defenses
ECRICC will follow a strategic and ecosystem-based approach, guided by the following principles
- Restoration of Severely Degraded Seagrass Meadows
Efforts will focus on rehabilitating highly degraded seagrass areas through active restoration techniques such as transplantation and habitat enhancement. - Facilitation of Natural Regeneration in Moderately Degraded Areas
Slightly to moderately impacted seagrass habitats will be managed to support natural recovery by improving water quality, reducing stressors, and preventing further degradation. - Creation of New Seagrass Habitats Where Feasible
In locations where ecological conditions are favorable, new seagrass meadows will be established to enhance coastal resilience and provide additional protection against climate change impacts such as sea-level rise and coastal erosion. - Protection and Maintenance of Existing Functional Seagrass Ecosystems
- Well-functioning seagrass beds will be conserved and monitored to ensure their continued ecological health and their role in supporting biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and fisheries.
Expected Outcomes:
- Restoration of 85 Hectares of Seagrass Habitat:
Revival of degraded seagrass meadows in Chilika Lagoon, enhancing ecosystem health and functionality. - Improved Coastal Resilience and Carbon Sequestration
Strengthened natural defenses against erosion and storms, along with increased blue carbon storage to support climate change mitigation. - Enhanced Marine Biodiversity and Fisheries Productivity
Protection of critical nursery habitats for fish and shellfish, supporting sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem diversity. - Strengthened Community Involvement and Institutional Capacity
Greater local engagement and capacity-building for long-term stewardship, supported by expert guidance and scientific monitoring.
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