What are coastal ecosystems?
India’s coastal zone includes ecosystems and habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, tidal mudflats, estuaries, lagoons, salt marshes and seagrass beds. These systems occur across the land–sea interface and support coastal biodiversity.
Why they are important
- Coastal ecosystems provide habitat, feeding, breeding and nursery areas for many species.
- Mangroves, coral reefs and other coastal systems can reduce erosion, moderate shoreline change and help protect communities from waves and storms.
- They support fisheries, tourism and coastal livelihoods.
- Vegetated coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass beds store carbon in biomass and sediments.
Major pollution pressures and mechanisms
- Land-based pollution includes untreated sewage, wastewater, solid waste, industrial discharge and agricultural run-off.
- Sea-based pressures include oil pollution and discarded or lost fishing material.
- Excess nutrient inputs can cause algal blooms, eutrophication and oxygen depletion, damaging fish and other coastal life.
- Rivers, drains and coastal activity can carry persistent litter, including plastics, into marine habitats.
Conservation approach
Clean-up drives can remove visible litter and build public awareness, but long-term protection also requires prevention at source, waste collection and treatment, pollution control, monitoring, ecosystem conservation and cooperation with coastal communities.
Evidence references
- MoEFCC State of Environment Report: coastal ecosystems, ecosystem services, pollution, eutrophication and ecosystem impacts
- Press Information Bureau, 12 July 2026: Swachh Sagar campaign and community-participation context
Exam-ready distinction
Beach cleaning is an intervention, not a complete pollution-control policy. Prevention at source and proper waste management are necessary to reduce repeated pollution.
Quick self-check
- Name four coastal ecosystems.
- How can mangroves and coral reefs support coastal resilience?
- Why are clean-up campaigns insufficient on their own?