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The global distribution of seagrass meadows

Len J McKenzie Orcid Logo, Lina M Nordlund Orcid Logo, Benjamin L Jones Orcid Logo, Leanne C Cullen-Unsworth Orcid Logo, Chris Roelfsema Orcid Logo, Richard Unsworth Orcid Logo

Environmental Research Letters, Volume: 15, Issue: 7, Start page: 074041

Swansea University Author: Richard Unsworth Orcid Logo

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Abstract

Seagrass meadows globally are under pressure with worldwide loss and degradation, but there is a growing recognition of the global importance of seagrass ecosystem services, particularly as a major carbon sink and as fisheries habitat. Estimates of global seagrass spatial distribution differ greatly...

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Published in: Environmental Research Letters
ISSN: 1748-9326
Published: IOP Publishing 2020
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55015
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Abstract: Seagrass meadows globally are under pressure with worldwide loss and degradation, but there is a growing recognition of the global importance of seagrass ecosystem services, particularly as a major carbon sink and as fisheries habitat. Estimates of global seagrass spatial distribution differ greatly throughout the published literature, ranging from 177 000 to 600 000 km2 with models suggesting potential distribution an order of magnitude higher. The requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement by outlining National Determined Contributions (NDC's) to reduce emissions is placing an increased global focus on the spatial extent, loss and restoration of seagrass meadows. Now more than ever there is a need to provide a more accurate and consistent measure of the global spatial distribution of seagrass. There is also a need to be able to assess the global spread of other seagrass ecosystem services and in their extension, the values of these services. In this study, by rationalising and updating a range of existing datasets of seagrass distribution around the globe, we have estimated with Moderate to High confidence the global seagrass area to date as 160 387 km2, but possibly 266 562 km2 with lower confidence. We break this global estimate down to a national level with a detailed analysis of the current state of mapped distribution and estimates of seagrass area per country. Accurate estimates, however, are challenged by large areas remaining unmapped and inconsistent measures being used. Through the examination of current global maps, we are able to propose a pathway forward for improving mapping of this important resource. More accurate measure of global #seagrass distribution, critical for assessing current state and trends
Keywords: Mapping, species distribution, eelgrass, sea grass, global extent, spatial distribution
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Issue: 7
Start Page: 074041