Seagrass Meadows Make a Remarkable Comeback in Odisha's Haripur Creek

In a remarkable ecological revival, seagrass meadows have reappeared in Haripur Creek, Odisha, after nearly a decade. This resurgence, attributed to reduced human activity during the Covid-19 lockdowns, highlights the importance of seagrasses in stabilizing coastlines and supporting marine life. Researchers emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem from ongoing threats such as pollution and unregulated development. This success story serves as a powerful reminder of nature's resilience and the potential for recovery when human pressures are alleviated.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 27, 2025, 09:17 IST

A Natural Revival in Odisha

After nearly ten years, seagrass meadows, essential for marine ecosystems, have reemerged in Haripur Creek, located near Gopalpur in Odisha. This ecological revival is credited to the significant reduction in human activities during the Covid-19 lockdowns from 2019 to 2021.

Seagrasses, often referred to as 'ecosystem engineers,' are vital for stabilizing coastlines, sequestering carbon, and providing habitat for marine organisms. Their disappearance from Haripur Creek was attributed to cyclones, pollution, and overfishing, making their return a noteworthy ecological achievement.

The research findings, published in the esteemed National Academy Science Letters, were conducted by marine scientists Debasish Mahapatro and Sangita Mishra. Their three-year field study (2019–2021) revealed that the halt in tourism, fishing, and boating during the lockdown allowed seagrasses to naturally recolonize the creek.

Mahapatro remarked, 'This is a globally rare phenomenon. The pandemic inadvertently provided nature with an opportunity to recover,' noting that he first documented seagrass in Haripur Creek back in 2010.

Previously found only in Chilika Lake, seagrasses were first identified in Haripur Creek between 2010 and 2012, primarily consisting of the species Halophila ovalis. However, these meadows were devastated between 2012 and 2019 due to a series of cyclones—Phailin (2013), Hudhud (2014), and Fani (2019)—along with pollution from shrimp farming, plastics, and boating activities.

The lockdown created favorable conditions for regrowth, including stable salinity, active tidal movements, and the absence of severe weather. New species such as Halodule uninervis and Halodule pinnifolia were also documented, indicating enhanced biodiversity. Biomass studies showed an increase from 23.1 g/100 cm² in Phase-I (2010–2012) to 25.3 g/100 cm² in Phase-II (2019–2021), attributed to the coexistence of multiple species rather than a single dominant species.

One of the most notable outcomes of the seagrass revival was the first live sighting of the golden mantis shrimp (Lysiosquilla tredecimdentata) in Haripur Creek, signaling improved ecosystem health.

Despite this positive development, researchers warn that the delicate ecosystem is still at risk. Mahapatro cautioned, 'Plastic waste, ghost nets, and unregulated coastal development continue to threaten the seagrass meadows. Immediate action is necessary to protect what has been restored.'

The resurgence of seagrass in Haripur Creek is viewed not only as a local success but also as a global illustration of how reducing human impact can facilitate the natural recovery of marine ecosystems. Scientists are advocating for long-term conservation strategies to protect this crucial underwater habitat.

In the context of ongoing discussions about climate change and biodiversity loss, this ecological success story from a small creek in southern Odisha conveys a powerful message: sometimes, allowing nature to take its course can yield greater results than human intervention.