Context:
Recent studies indicate that many mangrove ecosystems are experiencing hypercapnic hypoxia, posing serious risks to biodiversity and fisheries.
Key Highlights:
- Scientific Concept
- Hypercapnic Hypoxia: Condition of high CO₂ levels and low oxygen in water.
- Common in low tide, low salinity, warm tropical regions.
- Causes
- Rising CO₂ levels due to climate change.
- Increasing temperature affecting oxygen solubility.
- Impact on Biodiversity
- Threatens fish nurseries in mangroves.
- Reduces species diversity and habitat quality.
- Affects fisheries and livelihoods.
- Shifts ecosystem composition away from reef-associated species.
- About Mangroves
- Salt-tolerant vegetation in coastal intertidal zones.
- Found in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Act as coastal buffers and biodiversity hotspots.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Mangroves grow in saline/brackish water conditions.
- Known for adaptations like aerial roots (pneumatophores).
- India’s major mangrove areas: Sundarbans, Godavari, Krishna, Andaman & Nicobar.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Ecological Importance of Mangroves:
- Protect coastlines from erosion and storms.
- Serve as carbon sinks (blue carbon ecosystems).
- Climate Change Linkages:
- Increased CO₂ leads to ocean acidification and oxygen depletion.
- Threatens fragile coastal ecosystems.
- Socio-economic Impact:
- Fisheries decline affects coastal communities.
- Impacts food security and livelihoods.
- Conservation Challenges:
- Pollution, coastal development, and climate change.
- Lack of integrated coastal zone management.
- Way Forward
- Strengthen mangrove conservation and restoration programs.
- Promote climate-resilient coastal management.
- Enhance research and monitoring of coastal ecosystems.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3: Environment – Ecosystems, climate change
• GS 1: Geography – Coastal ecosystems