Context:

• Chilika Lake is claimed to have 20% of India’s seagrass distribution, which plays a vital role in oxygen production and absorption of carbon dioxide and acts as a purifier in aquatic ecology.

More facts:

• Seagrass species such as Holodule uninervis, Holodule pinifolia, Halophila ovalis, Halophila ovata and Halophila beccarii were recorded during annual monitoring of the Chilika Lake.
• Seagrass distribution has been estimated over an area of 152 sq. km, an increase from 135 sq km in the last year.
• Increase in seagrass has been reported against its declining trend throughout the world and now Chilika has 20% of India’s seagrass.
• Seagrass plays a vital role in oxygen production and absorption of carbon dioxide. It acts as a purifier in aquatic ecology. The seagrass area increases only when the water is clean. Seagrass will rejuvenate fishing ground by providing nursery habitat to important fish species.

Source:TH