Focus on the key drivers of the degradation of seagrasses.




Despite Seagrasses important contribution to sustainable development and climate change mitigation and adaptation, this core component of marine biodiversity is in danger and only about a quarter of all meadows fall within marine protected areas.


Seagrasses have been declining globally since the 1930s, with the most recent census estimating that 7% of this key marine habitat is being lost worldwide per year. It was recently noted that 21% of seagrass species are categorized as Near Threatened, Vulnerable and Endangered Species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species .



The combined pressures of coastal development, pollution, including land-based run-off, climate change, dredging and unregulated fishing and boating activities are key drivers of the degradation of seagrasses and their associated ecosystems.

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