How can we best assess the threats and status of connected coastal wetland habitats?

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On May 14, 2020

By Dr Michael Sievers Habitat degradation is a global crisis. Quantifying and evaluating habitat change and its impacts on ecosystem function is needed to inform management and conservation that ultimately safeguards biodiversity and human benefits. Many of these benefits in coastal ecosystems depend not only on habitat status, but also its connections with other […]

Global fragmentation of mangrove forests

Posted by Chris Brown
On May 4, 2020

To inform conservation actions we need global indicators of wetland ecosystems that represent changes in ecosystem function. But current indicators are largely based on changes in the area of wetland ecosystems. In our new study we mapped fragmentation of mangrove habitats at a global scale. The fragmentation of habitats into patches may be a better […]

Marine conservation implications and opportunities for China’s Belt and Road Initiative – the world’s largest ever infrastructure project

Posted by Chris Brown
On January 9, 2020

China’s Belt and Road Initiative, or the ‘New Silk Road’, is the world’s largest infrastructure development project, aimed at linking Europe and East Africa with Asia. The initiative combines a large network of terrestrial and maritime routes with the intent of linking over 70 countries, at an estimated cost of US$8 trillion by 2049. The […]

Coastal science gathers for #CERF2019

Posted by Tom Rayner
On November 4, 2019

This week 1,700+ coastal scientists are gathering for CERF 2019 in Alabama. The 25th biennial conference of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation aims to help the research and management community become more “responsive, relevant and ready” – to connect science and society in trouble-shooting and conserving coastal environments. The Global Wetlands Project will be […]

Seagrass lacks protection at global scale

Posted by Laura Griffiths
On October 9, 2019

Seagrass ecosystems face multiple threats, from pollution to sea level rise. However, management is failing to adequately protect these ecosystems and prevent their decline. We reviewed global policy relevant to seagrass protection and identified some critical gaps. We need to rethink how we protect coastal ecosystems in general, and seagrasses in particular, from multiple cumulative […]

Australia’s blue carbon budget

Posted by Tom Rayner
On September 13, 2019

Wetlands: life support for the Great Barrier Reef

Posted by Tom Rayner
On July 26, 2019

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is well recognised as the one of the most biodiverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. However, few of us appreciate that one million hectares of wetlands are the life support system for this important ecosystem. In this post, Dr Fernanda Adame and Emeritus Professor Angela Arthington explore the critical relationship […]

From sharks in seagrass to manatees in mangroves, we've found large marine species in some surprising places

Posted by Eric
On May 30, 2019

From sharks in seagrass to manatees in mangroves, we’ve found large marine species in some surprising places

Posted by Michael Sievers
On May 30, 2019

When we think of mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and saltmarshes, we don’t immediately think of shark habitats. But our global review of links between large marine animals (megafauna) and coastal wetlands is challenging this view – and how we might respond to the biodiversity crisis.

Turtley sick moves: rescuing weak sea turtles and the science aimed at helping their equally weak populations

Posted by Ryan Pearson
On April 26, 2019

Sea turtles are threatened. Literal boat loads of things affect their already low survival rates, most attributable to humans. Plastics, fishing entanglements, temperature increases, habitat degradation and actual boat strikes are killing turtles and affecting their populations in many other ways. Ultimately threatening their very existence. Knowing this, when my buddy Dr Michael Sievers and […]