The Current Status of <em>Halophila beccarii</em>: An Ecologically Significant, Yet Vulnerable Seagrass of India

Abstract

We reviewed the current status of a Vulnerable seagrass, Halophila beccarii from the coast of India using the published data from 1977-2020. We found that the seagrass, H. beccarii has a pan India distribution on both east and west coast. It is abundant in the intertidal silty-muddy region on the west coast, while on the east coast it is found on sandy habitats, with few exceptions of muddy habitat. H. beccarii was found to be associated with mangroves or smaller seagrass species within a depth limit of 1.7m. Low salinity and high nitrate levels were observed for the H. beccarii meadows of the west coast due to its association with mangroves. The nutrient levels in H. beccarii meadows of India were comparatively lower than other seagrass meadows. Most of the research on H. beccarii has focoused on its morphometrics (41%), reproductive (33%) and distribution (29%) along the coast of India. Reproductive traits such as flowering and fruiting varying according to the seasons of each coast due to the influence of monsoon and its associated temperature, salinity and nutrient influx. H. beccarii has a great potential of various bioactive compounds, which needs further investigation. Habitat disturbance, anthropogenic pollution and coastal development are the major cause of declining H. beccarii ecosystems in India. Significant loss of the seagrass was observed from the west coast of India due to increased coastal development activities. There is a significant need in quantifying H. beccarii population trends, impact of climate and anthropogenic stressors, economic values of ecosystem services and the role of ecological connectivity for better conservation and management of H. beccarii seascapes across India. There is a need for integration of research outcomes in policy framing for preventing the decline and further loss of this vulnerable seagrass ecosystem.

The occurrence of vulnerable seagrass species Halophila beccarii Ascherson, 1871 from restored mangrove of Koduvally Estuary, south‐west coast of India

“…The results reported herein represent the first time it has been reported in the restored mangrove mudflats of Koduvally Estuary in the south‐west coast of India. It is well known that plant fragments are the major component that facilitate the dispersal and colonization of this species in new areas, a process called “one jump migration” (Mishra & Apte, 2020; Untawale & Jagtap, 1977). Many previous studies investigated this characteristic of H. beccarii (Mishra & Apte, 2020; Savurirajan et al., 2015).…”

“…They play key ecological roles in coastal ecosystems and form extensive meadows supporting high biological biodiversity, acting as a nursery ground for many marine and estuarine species. They represent a primary food source of manatees, dugongs and green sea turtles and contribute significantly to the detritus food web (Mishra & Apte, 2020). They also help improve the constancy of natural habitats of many aquatic species by stabilizing the surrounding environment from various biophysical forces and reducing the quantity of suspended solids in the water column through filtration services (Mishra & Apte, 2020; Short et al., 2016; Unsworth et al., 2019).…”

“…They represent a primary food source of manatees, dugongs and green sea turtles and contribute significantly to the detritus food web (Mishra & Apte, 2020). They also help improve the constancy of natural habitats of many aquatic species by stabilizing the surrounding environment from various biophysical forces and reducing the quantity of suspended solids in the water column through filtration services (Mishra & Apte, 2020; Short et al., 2016; Unsworth et al., 2019). They also play a critical role in the carbon sequestration process of coastal‐marine ecosystems, which are 35% more efficient in carbon trapping compared to their terrestrial counterparts (Mishra & Apte, 2020).…”

“…They also help improve the constancy of natural habitats of many aquatic species by stabilizing the surrounding environment from various biophysical forces and reducing the quantity of suspended solids in the water column through filtration services (Mishra & Apte, 2020; Short et al., 2016; Unsworth et al., 2019). They also play a critical role in the carbon sequestration process of coastal‐marine ecosystems, which are 35% more efficient in carbon trapping compared to their terrestrial counterparts (Mishra & Apte, 2020). They also act as a good ecological indicator of coastal‐marine stability (Lewis & Devereux, 2009).…”

“…Among these species, Ocean Turf Grass Halophila beccarii are distributed throughout the tropical Indo‐Pacific region and can be found in a range of habitat types from shallow estuarine environments (Jagtap, Komarpant, & Rodrigues, 2003) to deeper waters (Short et al., 2007). This species is considered a vulnerable species in South‐East Asia by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Short et al., 2011), and they have been reported from the intertidal areas of the Indian subcontinent and its archipelagos (Kannan et al., 1999; Mishra & Apte, 2020; Nair et al., 1983; Patro et al., 2017; Untawale & Jagtap, 1977) in addition to being recorded from Sri Lanka (Udagedara et al., 2017), Bangladesh (Abu Hena & Short, 2009), Malaysia (Fakhrulddin et al., 2013), Philippines (Liao & Geraldino, 2020), Thailand (Hiranphan et al., 2020) and Viet Nam (Hang Phan et al., 2017). However, documentation of the available information on this drastically declining small vulnerable species is important for developing conservation and management actions.…”