Seascape connectivity: evidence, knowledge gaps and implications for temperate coastal ecosystem restoration practice and policy
Temperate coastal marine ecosystems have suffered extensive global loss, yet their recovery depends on ecological connectivity across seascapes. Through expert consensus and a structured review, this study shows that exchanges of matter and energy among coastal habitats sustain ecosystem functioning and services. The authors advocate a seascape‑based restoration approach that prioritizes connectivity and optimal structure–function relationships. They outline recommendations to support the UN Decades of Ocean Science and Ecosystem Restoration, emphasizing that recognizing the interconnected nature of coastal systems is essential for effective policy. Integrating biodiversity and climate frameworks can strengthen nature recovery and advance international resilience goals.
Subject Tags
- Biodiversity
- Coastal
- Policy
Abstract
Temperate coastal marine ecosystems have undergone severe global loss and degradation. We provide a framework for considering ecological connectivity in marine systems and evidence for ecological connectivity across temperate coastal seascapes, developed through expert consensus and structured review. We demonstrate that ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services require the existence of a healthy mosaic of coastal habitats, maintained by the exchanges of matter and energy between them. We advocate a seascape approach, that restores connectivity and optimal structure-function relationships, is crucial for successful ecosystem restoration. Consequently, we provide recommendations to deliver seascape restoration of coastal habitats to support the targets set by the 2021-30 UN Decades of Ocean Science and Ecosystem Restoration. Acknowledging the interconnected nature of coastal ecosystems has implications for policy. We identify opportunities and actions to support nature recovery and integrate policy frameworks across climate and biodiversity agendas to achieve international goals for planetary resilience.
Citation
Preston, J., Debney, A., Gamble, C., Hardy, M. J., Underwood, G. J. C., Garbutt, A., ... & Zu Ermgassen, P. S. E. (2025). Seascape connectivity: evidence, knowledge gaps and implications for temperate coastal ecosystem restoration practice and policy. npj Ocean Sustainability, 4(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00128-3
TNC Authors
-
Boze Hancock
Senior Marine Restoration Scientist, Massachusetts
The Nature Conservancy
Email: bhancock@tnc.org -
Simon E. Reeves
The Nature Conservancy