The Saya de Malha Bank, a ‘forgotten ecosystem’ in need of protection

The Saya de Malha Bank in the heart of the Indian Ocean is home to one of the world’s largest underwater seagrass beds. A veritable lung of the ocean, this little-known 40,000 km² territory captures CO2 35 times faster than a tropical forest, and provides a vital habitat for numerous marine species. But today this rare and precious ecosystem, mostly located in international waters, is being decimated by industrial fishing fleets.